Handle fitting

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to handle fittings. Some relate to handle fittings for internal doors.

BACKGROUND

Modern doors are of variable thickness and frequently include a thin face plate such as a veneer. Door handles are often attached to such doors using one or more screws which extend into the face plate of a door. When a door handle is pulled, the load is transferred to the screws in the face of the door. This can cause the screws to be partially or wholly pulled out of the door, leading to a damaged face plate on the door and/or a loose door fitting.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an assembly for fitting handles to a door, the assembly comprising: first and second handles locatable on respective first and second sides of the door; an elongate member extendable through a hole in the door, wherein the length dimension of the elongate member defines a longitudinal axis; coupling means for use in coupling the first and second handles to the elongate member; and a threaded spacer locatable between the first handle and the door, wherein the threaded spacer is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis.

The threaded spacer may include an inner part with external threading and an outer part with an internal surface, in which the internal surface may include a threaded portion. The outer part may be configured to threadably rotate around the inner part.

The elongate member may be a spindle with a non-circular longitudinal cross section. The spindle may have a substantially square longitudinal cross section.

The inner part may be locatable on the elongate member. The inner part may have a through hole for locating the spindle, the hole having a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the spindle, such that the inner part does not rotate relative to the spindle when located thereon.

The internal surface of the outer part may form the wall of a through hole extending through the outer part, and the through hole may be configured such that the inner part and the elongate member can rotate relative to the outer part when received therein. The through hole extending through the outer part may be substantially cylindrical. The through hole of the outer part may be configured such that the inner part and elongate member can be inserted into either end of the through hole.

The threaded spacer may include a stop member for the threaded spacer. The outer part of the threaded spacer may include an external opening which extends through to the inner surface of the outer part, and the opening may be configured to receive the stop member for the threaded spacer such that when the stop member for the threaded spacer is received in the opening, the outer part is secured in position relative to the inner part by the stop member for the threaded spacer.

The stop member for the threaded spacer may be configured to engage against the external threading of the inner part. The outer part may include two or more planar portions on its external surface to enable a spanner to be received thereon.

The elongate member may include one or more slots.

The coupling means may include a mechanical fastener. The coupling means may include two stop members for the elongate member, and two or more slots may be provided which are spaced along the length of the elongate member, wherein the slots are each configured to receive one of the stop members for the elongate member.

At least one of the stop members for the elongate member may include a threaded portion. The stop members may be in the form of pins. The elongate member may be a rod. The two or more slots may include a first set of two or more slots and a second set of slots, with the first and second slots being separated by an intermediate portion with no slots.

The intermediate portion may extend for at least half the length of the elongate member. The slots in the first set of slots may be evenly spaced, and the slots in the second set of slots may be evenly spaced.

The slots may be holes that extend through the width of the elongate member.

An aperture may be provided in each handle configured to receive the stop members.

The assembly may further include a plurality of washers locatable on the elongate member on one side of the door to space the respective handle from the door.

The assembly may further include one or more resilient members locatable on the elongate member on one side of the door to space the respective handle from the door. The resilient member may be in the form of a spring.

The assembly may further include a cover sleeve locatable around the threaded spacer.

At least one of the handles may include internal threading and at least a portion of the inner part may be threadably engageable with the door handle.

The elongate member may include a longitudinal through hole.

The elongate member may include one or more recesses which define a through portion of reduced longitudinal cross section. The one or more recesses may comprise two opposing recesses. The through portion of the elongate member may have a non circular longitudinal cross section.

The inner part of the threaded spacer may be locatable on the through portion of the elongate member. The inner part may have a through hole for locating the through portion of the elongate member, and the through hole may have a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the through portion of the elongate member, such that the inner part does not rotate relative to the elongate member when located thereon.

The internal surface of the outer part may form the wall of a through hole extending through the outer part, and the through hole may be configured such that the inner part and the elongate member can rotate relative to the outer part when received therein. The through hole extending through the outer part may be substantially cylindrical. The through hole of the outer part may be configured such that the inner part and elongate member can be inserted into either end of the through hole.

The through hole of the inner part may include an opening extending parallel to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part, which is configured to receive the through portion of the elongate member from a direction perpendicular to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part.

The assembly may further include a brace, which mountable to the elongate member. The brace may include an abutment surface which is configured to extend outwardly from the elongate member when the brace is mounted to the elongate member. The brace may be for insertion into one of the one or more slots in the elongate member.

The assembly may further include an insert, which is configured to extend into a hole in the door and define a confined space around the elongate member. The insert may be substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder. The insert may include an internal flange at one end of the cylinder, and an external flange at the opposite longitudinal end of cylinder.

The assembly further may further include a spacer, which is locatable inside the confined space defined by the insert between the internal flange of the respective insert and the abutment surface of the brace.

The threaded spacer may be threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis from a longitudinal end of the inner part to a longitudinal end of the outer part. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method of fitting handles to a door, the method comprising: inserting an elongate member into a hole in a door wherein the length dimension of the elongate member defines a longitudinal axis; coupling a second handle to a second end of the elongate member on a second side of the door; providing a first handle and a threaded spacer, wherein the threaded spacer is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis; coupling the first handle to a first end of the elongate member on the first side of the door; and adjusting the threaded spacer to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis to secure the handles in position relative to the door.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method of fitting handles to a door, the method comprising: locating a threaded spacer on a through portion of an elongate member, with the length dimension of the elongate member defining a longitudinal axis, wherein one or more recesses define the through portion, which is of reduced longitudinal cross section; inserting the elongate member into a hole in a door; mounting a brace to the elongate member on the opposite side of the door to the threaded spacer, wherein the brace includes an abutment surface which is configured to extend outwardly from the elongate member when the brace is mounted to the elongate member; adjusting the threaded spacer to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis to secure the elongate member in position relative to the door; coupling a first handle to a first end of the elongate member on a first side of the door; and coupling a second handle to a second end of the elongate member on a second side of the door.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an assembly for fitting first and second handles to first and second sides of a door respectively, the assembly comprising: an elongate member extendable through a hole in the door, wherein the length dimension of the elongate member defines a longitudinal axis, wherein the elongate member includes one or more recesses which define a through portion of reduced longitudinal cross section; a threaded spacer mountable to the through portion, wherein the threaded spacer is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis; and a brace mountable to the elongate member, wherein the brace includes an abutment surface which is configured to extend outwardly from the elongate member when the brace is mounted to the elongate member.

The elongate member may include one or more slots.

The threaded spacer may include an inner part with external threading and an outer part with an internal surface, in which the internal surface may include a threaded portion. The outer part may be configured to threadably rotate around the inner part.

The one or more recesses may comprise two opposing recesses. The through portion of the elongate member may have a non-circular longitudinal cross section.

The inner part of the threaded spacer may be locatable on the through portion of the elongate member. The inner part may have a through hole for locating the through portion of the elongate member, and the through hole may have a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the through portion of the elongate member, such that the inner part does not rotate relative to the elongate member when located thereon.

The internal surface of the outer part may form the wall of a through hole extending through the outer part, and the through hole may be configured such that the inner part and the elongate member can rotate relative to the outer part when received therein. The through hole extending through the outer part may be substantially cylindrical. The through hole of the outer part may be configured such that the inner part and elongate member can be inserted into either end of the through hole.

The through hole of the inner part may include an opening extending parallel to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part, which is configured to receive the through portion of the elongate member from a direction perpendicular to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part.

The brace may be for insertion into one of the one or more slots in the elongate member. The assembly may further include an insert, which is configured to extend into a hole in the door and define a confined space around the elongate member. The insert may be substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder. The insert may include an internal flange at one end of the cylinder, and an external flange at the opposite longitudinal end of cylinder.

The assembly further may further include a spacer, which is locatable inside the confined space defined by the insert between the internal flange of the respective insert and the abutment surface of the brace.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an assembly for fitting first and second handles to a first and second sides of a door respectively, the assembly comprising: an elongate member extendable through a hole in the door, wherein the length dimension of the elongate member defines a longitudinal axis; coupling means for use in coupling the first and second handles to the elongate member; and a threaded spacer locatable between the first handle and the door, wherein the threaded spacer is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis.

The threaded spacer may include an inner part with external threading and an outer part with an internal surface, in which the internal surface may include a threaded portion. The outer part may be configured to threadably rotate around the inner part.

The elongate member may be a spindle with a non-circular longitudinal cross section.

The spindle may have a substantially square longitudinal cross section.

The inner part may be locatable on the elongate member. The inner part may have a through hole for locating the spindle, the hole having a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the spindle, such that the inner part does not rotate relative to the spindle when located thereon.

The threaded spacer may include a stop member for the threaded spacer. The outer part of the threaded spacer may include an external opening which extends through to the inner surface of the outer part, and the opening may be configured to receive the stop member for the threaded spacer such that when the stop member for the threaded spacer is received in the opening, the outer part is secured in position relative to the inner part by the stop member for the threaded spacer.

The stop member for the threaded spacer may be configured to engage against the external threading of the inner part. The outer part may include two or more planar portions on its external surface to enable a spanner to be received thereon.

The coupling means may include a mechanical fastener. The coupling means may include two stop members for the elongate member, and two or more slots may be provided which are spaced along the length of the elongate member, wherein the slots are each configured to receive one of the stop members for the elongate member.

At least one of the stop members for the elongate member may include a threaded portion.

The two or more slots may include a first set of two or more slots and a second set of slots, with the first and second slots being separated by an intermediate portion with no slots.

The intermediate portion may extend for at least half the length of the elongate member. The slots in the first set of slots may be evenly spaced, and the slots in the second set of slots may be evenly spaced.

The slots may be holes that extend through the width of the elongate member.

The assembly may further include first and second handles, which may each include an aperture configured to receive the stop members.

The assembly may further include a plurality of washers locatable on the elongate member on one side of the door to space the respective handle from the door.

The assembly may further include one or more resilient members locatable on the elongate member on one side of the door to space the respective handle from the door. The resilient member may be in the form of a spring. The assembly may further include a cover sleeve locatable around the threaded spacer.

At least one of the handles may include internal threading and at least a portion of the inner part may be threadably engageable with the door handle.

The elongate member may include a longitudinal through hole.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a threaded spacer, threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer along the longitudinal axis, comprising: an inner part with external threading; and an outer part with an internal surface, in which the internal surface may include a threaded portion and the outer part is configured to threadably rotate around the inner part, the inner part further comprising a through hole with a non-circular longitudinal cross section to locate an elongate member with a corresponding non-circular cross section.

The through hole may have a substantially square longitudinal cross section.

The threaded spacer may include a stop member for the threaded spacer. The outer part of the threaded spacer may include an external opening which extends through to the inner surface of the outer part, and the opening may be configured to receive the stop member for the threaded spacer such that when the stop member for the threaded spacer is received in the opening, the outer part is secured in position relative to the inner part by the stop member for the threaded spacer.

The stop member for the threaded spacer may be configured to engage against the external threading of the inner part. The outer part may include two or more planar portions on its external surface to enable a spanner to be received thereon.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a spacer assembly comprising an elongate member with a non-circular longitudinal cross section, and a threaded spacer according to any of the preceding four paragraphs. The hole of the threaded spacer may have a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the elongate member, such that the inner part does not rotate relative to the elongate member when located thereon.

The internal surface of the outer part may form the wall of a through hole extending through the outer part, and the through hole may be configured such that the inner part and the elongate member can rotate relative to the outer part when received therein. The through hole extending through the outer part may be substantially cylindrical. The through hole of the outer part may be configured such that the inner part and elongate member can be inserted into either end of the through hole.

The longitudinal cross section of the elongate member may be substantially square.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

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

Fig. 1 is an exploded diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a first handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Figs. 2A to 2D are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing the installation of the assembly of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3A and 3B are perpendicular cross-sectional views of a threaded spacer of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is an exploded diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Figs. 5A to 5D are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing the installation of the assembly of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the handle fitting assembly of Fig. 4, with an anti-rotation part being shown in enlarged form;

Fig. 7 is diagrammatic cross-sectional view of parts of a third handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Figs. 8A to 8E are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of the assembly of Fig. 7;

Figs. 9A to 9E are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of the assembly of Fig. 7; Figs. 10A to 10D are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of the assembly of Fig. 7;

Figs. 11A to 11 B are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of a fourth handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Figs. 12A to 12B are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of the assembly of Figs 11 A and 11 B;

Figs. 13A to 13C are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of a fifth handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Figs. 14A to 14B are diagrammatic cross-sectional views showing part of the installation of the assembly of Figs 13A and 13B;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of part of a sixth handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure, with a sprung member being shown in enlarged form;

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic exploded perspective view of a seventh handle fitting assembly according to the disclosure;

Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the seventh handle fitting assembly in an assembled condition;

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic top-down view of the seventh handle fitting assembly in an assembled condition;

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side view of the seventh handle fitting assembly in an assembled condition; and

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an elongate member of the seventh handle fitting assembly.

First handle fitting assembly

Figs. 1 to 3B show a first handle fitting assembly 100 and the components used in the assembly 100 for fitting first and second handles 110, 120 through a hole in a door 900. In the example of Figs. 1 - 3B, the first and second handles 110, 120 are door knobs. The assembly 100 includes an elongate member 130 configured to extend through a hole in the door and coupling means 140 for use in coupling the first and second handles 110, 120 to the elongate member 130.

The length dimension of the elongate member 130 defines a longitudinal axis. In the example of Figs. 1 to 3 the elongate member 130 is in the form of a spindle 130, which is configured to engage through a latch mechanism (not shown) in the door 900. The spindle 130 has a non-circular longitudinal cross section, which may be substantially square, such that it can rotatingly engage with the latch mechanism in the door 900. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the spindle 130 may be made from metal such as steel.

The first and second handles 110, 120 include recesses 112, 122 for receiving respective first and second ends 132, 134 of the elongate member 130. The recesses 112, 122 may have a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the elongate member 130, such that the first and second handles 110, 120 do not rotate relative to the elongate member 130 when located thereon. The coupling means 140 can be used to couple the first and second handles 110, 120 to the elongate member 130 when the elongate member 130 is received in the recesses 112, 122.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the coupling means 140 may be in the form of a mechanical fastener, and preferably in the form of two stop members 142, 144, as shown for example in Fig. 1. Each of the stop members 142, 144 is configured to be inserted into two or more slots 136 spaced along the length of the elongate member 130. The stop members 142, 144 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 are grub screws, which include an external thread 146 and an internal opening 148 for receiving an Allan key or hex key. In other examples, the stop members 142, 144 may for instance be in the form of a dowel or a spring dowel.

In the example of Figs. 1 to 3B, two sets 138, 139 of slots 136 are provided along the length of the elongate member 130. The first and second sets 138, 139 of slots 136 each include three evenly spaced slots 136, and are provided at respective first and second longitudinal ends 132, 134 of the elongate member 130. An intermediate portion 135 with no slots is provided between the first and second sets 138, 139 of slots 136. The intermediate portion 135 extends for at least half the length of the elongate member 130. In the example of Figs. 1 to 3, the slots 136 extend through the width of the elongate member 130, but in other embodiments, the slots 136 may extend only partially through the width of the elongate member 130.

An aperture 114, 124 is provided in each of the first and second handles 110, 120. The apertures 114, 124 are each configured to receive one of the stop members 142, 144 and may include internal threading to engage against the external thread 146 of the respective stop member 142, 144.

A threaded spacer 150 is provided, which is best shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. The threaded spacer 150 is locatable between the first handle 110 and the door 900, and is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 150 along the longitudinal axis. When the first and second handles 110, 120 are coupled to the elongate member 130 and positioned on respective first or second sides of the door 900, there may be a gap between one of the handles 110, 120 and the door 900. This gap enables the elongate member 130 to move back and forth within the hole in the door 900, meaning that the handles are not securely positioned relative to the door 900. The threaded spacer 150 can be positioned between the first handle 110 and the door 900 and its extent along the longitudinal axis can be increased to close the gap and secure the handles 110, 120 in position relative to the door 900.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the threaded spacer 150 includes an inner part 152 with external threading and an outer part 154 with an internal surface. The internal surface includes a threaded portion 156, and the outer part is configured to threadably rotate around the inner part 152. The internal surface of the outer part 154 forms the wall of a through hole 155 (shown best in Fig. 3B) extending through the outer part 154. The through hole 155 extending through the outer part 154 is configured such that the inner part 152 and the elongate member 130 can rotate relative to the outer part 154 when received in the through hole 155 of the outer part 154. In this example, the through hole 155 of the outer part 154 is configured such that the inner part 152 and elongate member 130 can be inserted into the through hole 155 from either end of the hole 155. Further, in this example, the through hole 155 extending through the outer part 154 is substantially cylindrical, and the through hole 155 may be of constant width from one end to the other. The outer surface of the inner part 152 with the external threading may also have a constant width, as is the case in the example of Figs. 1 to 3B, to enable the inner part 152 to pass fully through the through hole 155 in the outer part 154.

The inner part 152 may have a through hole 158 for locating the elongate member 130, the hole 158 having a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the elongate member 130, such that the inner part 152 does not rotate relative to the spindle 130 when located thereon. The inner and outer parts 152, 154 may be made from metal, such as steel or brass. Alternatively, the inner and outer parts 152, 154 may be made from a plastics material.

In the example of Figs. 1 to 3B, the inner part 152, best shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, is substantially cylindrical and includes a hole 158 with a substantially square longitudinal cross section for locating the substantially square longitudinal cross section spindle 130. The outer part 154 is also substantially cylindrical and includes two or more planar portions 160 on its external surface. The planar portions 160 are configured to enable a spanner or wrench to be received on the outer part 154. Thus, in the example of Figs. 1 - 3 the inner part 152 is rotationally fixed relative to the spindle 130, and the outer part 154 can be threadably rotated on the inner part 152 using only a single spanner to increase or decrease the extent of the threaded spacer 150 along the longitudinal axis. The threaded spacer of Figs. 1-3 could be used in other applications to secure a non-cylindrical longitudinal cross-section elongate member in position by closing the space between two surfaces. For instance, applications where vibrations along the elongate member are common, which may loosen the elongate member relative to adjacent parts. The threaded spacer 150 and the elongate member 130 may be considered a spacer assembly.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, a stop member 162 for the threaded spacer 150 is provided, which may be a pin. The outer part of the threaded spacer 150 includes an external opening 164 which is a through hole that extends through to the inner surface of the outer part 154. The opening 164 is configured to receive the stop member 162 for the threaded spacer 150 such that when the stop member 162 is received in the opening 164, the stop member 162 engages with the inner part 152. This secures the outer part 154 in position relative to the inner part 152 and maintains the longitudinal extent of the threaded spacer 150. The stop member 162 for the threaded spacer 150 may be configured to engage against the external threading of the inner part 152, and may include a tapered end 165 for locating between threads. In the example of Figs. 1-3, the external opening 164 is threaded and the stop member 162 for the threaded spacer 150 is in the form of a grub screw.

In some, but necessarily all embodiments, a first cover sleeve 170 is provided to cover the threaded spacer 150. The external surface of the outer part 154 of the threaded spacer 150 may include a grip 166 to secure the first cover sleeve 170 in position relative to the threaded spacer 150. In the example of Figs. 1 - 3, the grip 166 is in the form of a rubber O-ring around the outer part 154.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, a plurality of washers 168 are provided, which are locatable on the elongate member 130 on one side of the door 900 to space the respective handle from the door 900. A second cover sleeve 172 may be provided to cover the washers 168.

In use, the first handle fitting assembly 100 may be installed using the following method.

The second handle 120 is coupled to the second longitudinal end 134 of the elongate member 130 on the second side of the door 900. For instance, the second end 134 of the elongate member 130 may be inserted into the recess 122 in the second handle 120. One of the stop members 144 may then be inserted into the aperture 124 in the second handle 120 and into one of the slots 136 in the elongate member 130. A required number of washers 168 may then be located on the elongate member 130 adjacent to the second handle 120, followed by the second cover sleeve 172. The second cover sleeve 172 can be slidingly located over the washers 168 and part of the second handle 120.

Once the second handle 120 is coupled to the second longitudinal end 134 of the elongate member 130, the elongate member 130 is inserted into a hole 910 in the door 900. The threaded spacer 150 may then be located on the elongate member 150, and may be provided on the opposite side of the door 900 to the second handle 120 (i.e. the first side of the door 900).

The first handle 110 is provided, onto which the first cover sleeve 170 may be located. The first handle 110 is then coupled to the first end 132 of the elongate member 130 on the first side of the door 900. For instance, the first end 132 of the elongate member 130 may be inserted into the recess 112 in the first handle 110. One of the stop members 142 may then be inserted into the aperture 114 in the first handle 110 and into one of the slots 136 in the elongate member 130. Fig. 2A shows the first handle fitting assembly 100 following this step. The threaded spacer 150 is adjusted to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 150 along the longitudinal axis to secure the handles 110, 120 in position relative to the door 900. The adjustment may include threadably rotating the outer part 154 of the threaded spacer 150 around the inner part 152 of the threaded spacer 150 to cause the outer part 154 to move towards the door 900. Care must be taken not to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 150 along the longitudinal axis excessively, such that the handles 100, 120 cannot rotate and operate the latch mechanism (not shown) in the door 900. Fig. 2B shows the first handle fitting assembly 100 following this step.

As shown in Fig. 2C, the stop member 162 for the threaded spacer 150 may be inserted into the opening 164 in the outer part 154 of the threaded spacer 150 to secure the outer part 154 in position relative to the inner part 152 and maintain the longitudinal extent of the threaded spacer 150. The first cover sleeve 170 may then be slidingly located over the threaded spacer 150 to cover the threaded spacer 150, as shown in Fig. 2D.

Second handle fitting assembly

Figs. 4 - 6 shows a second handle fitting assembly 200, which is similar to the first handle fitting assembly 100, with some differences. The first handle 210 and the second handle 220 are lever handles, rather than door knobs.

Furthermore, the second handle fitting assembly 200 includes a first grip 280, shown in Fig. 6, which is locatable on the elongate member 130 between the door 900 and the threaded spacer 150, to prevent rotation of the threaded spacer 150 when the first handle 210 is rotated. A second grip 282 is also provided on the second cover plate 272, adjacent to the door 900 to prevent the second cover plate 282 from rotating when the second handle 220 is rotated. In the example of Fig. 6, the first and second grips 280, 282 include one or more fasteners 284 such as tacks, configured to penetrate the face of the door 900 and prevent rotation of the grips 280, 282 when the handles 210, 220 are rotated. In other embodiments, the grips 280, 282 may be for instance in the form of a glasspaper or sandpaper ring.

Third handle fitting assembly Figs. 7 to 10 show a third handle fitting assembly 300. The assembly 300 includes an elongate member 330 configured to extend through a hole in the door and coupling means 340 for use in coupling the first and second handles 310, 320 to the elongate member 330.

The length dimension of the elongate member 330 defines a longitudinal axis. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the elongate member 330 may have a longitudinal through hole 337. In the example of Figs. 1 to 3 the elongate member 130 is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The third handle fitting assembly 300 includes first and second coupling portions 390, 392 configured to fit into the through hole 337 at respective first and second longitudinal ends 332, 334 of the elongate member 330.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the coupling means 340 may be in the form of a mechanical fastener, and preferably in the form of two stop members 342, 344, as shown for example in Figs. 8 - 10. Each of the stop members 342, 344 is configured to be inserted into two or more slots 336 spaced along the length of the elongate member 330. In the example of Figs. 7 - 10, the slots are in the form of through holes. First and second sets 338, 339 of slots 336 are provided, which each include three evenly spaced slots 336, and are provided at respective first and second longitudinal ends 332, 334 of the elongate member 330. An intermediate portion 335 with no slots is provided between the first and second sets 338, 339 of slots 336.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the first and second coupling portions 390, 392 may each include one or more apertures 396, 397 configured to receive one of the stop members 342, 344. In the example of Figs. 7 - 10, four apertures 396, 397 are provided in each coupling portion 390, 392.

A threaded spacer 350 is provided, which is locatable between the first handle 110 and the door 900, and is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 150 along the longitudinal axis. In this example, the threaded spacer 350 includes an inner part 352 with external threading and an outer part 354 with an internal surface. The internal surface includes a threaded portion 356, and the outer part 354 is configured to threadably rotate around the inner part 352. The internal surface of the outer part 354 forms the wall of a through hole 355 (shown best in Fig. 7) extending through the outer part 354. The through hole 355 extending through the outer part 354 is configured such that the inner part 352 and the elongate member 330 can rotate relative to the outer part 354 when received in the through hole 355 of the outer part 354. In this example, the through hole 355 of the outer part 354 is configured such that the inner part 352 and elongate member 330 can be inserted into the through hole 355 from either end of the hole 355. Further, in this example, the through hole 355 extending through the outer part 354 is substantially cylindrical, and the through hole 355 may be of constant width from one end to the other. The outer surface of the inner part 352 with the external threading may also have a constant width, as is the case in the example of Figs. 7 to 10, to enable the inner part 352 to pass fully through the through hole 355 in the outer part 354.

Furthermore, a portion of the inner part 352 is threadably locatable in a recess 312 in the first handle 310, and the first coupling portion 390 is attached to the inner part 352.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the second coupling portion 392 may be provided on a link part 394. Part of the link part 394 may be threadably locatable in a recess 322 in the second handle 320.

In use, the third handle fitting assembly 100 may be installed using the following method.

The second handle 320 is coupled to the second longitudinal end 334 of the elongate member 330 on the second side of the door 900. As shown for instance in Figs 8A to 8C, the link member 394 may be threadably inserted into the recess 322 in the second handle 320. One of the stop members 344 may then be inserted into one of the slots 336 in the elongate member 330 and into one of the apertures 397 in the second coupling portion 392 when the second coupling portion 392 is positioned in the through hole 337 at the second longitudinal end 334 of the elongate member 330.

Once the second handle 320 is coupled to the second longitudinal end 334 of the elongate member 330, the elongate member 330 is inserted into a hole 910 in the door 900, as shown for instance in Figs. 8D and 8E. A portion of the inner part 352 of the threaded spacer 350 may then be threadably located in the recess 312 in the first handle 310, as shown in Fig. 9A. Once the portion of the inner part 352 has been located in the recess 312, the outer part 354 may be threadably located on the inner part 132, as shown in Figs. 9B and 9C. A first cover sleeve 370 may then be located on the first handle 310, as shown in Figs. 9D and 9E.

The first handle 310 is then coupled to the first end 332 of the elongate member 330 on the first side of the door 900. For instance, the one of the stop members 342 may be inserted into one of the slots 336 in the elongate member 330 and into one of the apertures 336 in the first coupling portion 390, when the first coupling portion 390 is positioned in the through hole 337 at the first longitudinal end 332 of the elongate member 330. This is shown in Figs. 10A and 10B.

The threaded spacer 350 is adjusted to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 350 along the longitudinal axis to secure the handles 310, 320 in position relative to the door 900. As shown for instance in Figs. 10B and 10C, adjustment may include threadably rotating the outer part 354 of the threaded spacer 150 around the inner part 352 of the threaded spacer 350 to cause the outer part 354 to move towards the door 900. The first cover sleeve 370 may then be slidingly located over the outer part 354 of the threaded spacer 350 to cover the outer part 354, as shown in Fig. 10D.

Fourth handle fitting assembly

Figs 11 A, 11B, 12A and 12B show a fourth handle fitting assembly 400, which is similar to the first handle fitting assembly 100, with some differences. The first and second handles 410, 420 are pull handles, and are thus not required to rotate to open a latch mechanism in the door 900. The elongate member 430 is cylindrical. The pull handles 410, 420 are each fitted to the door 910 at two separate positions door through two separate holes in the door 910, and thus two handle fitting assemblies 400 are provided.

Fifth handle fitting assembly

Figs 13A - 13C, 14A and 14B disclose a fifth handle fitting assembly 500, which is similar to the third handle fitting assembly 300, with some differences. The second handle 520 is in the form of a push plate 520, which is fitted to the door 910 at two separate positions through two separate holes in the door 910, and therefore two handle fitting assemblies 500 are provided. Only a single hole 910 and assembly 500 are shown in Figs. 13B, 13C, 14A and 14B for clarity reasons.

In each fifth handle fitting assembly 500, there is no link part, and the second coupling portion 592 is provided on the push plate 520.

Sixth handle fitting assembly

Fig. 15 shows a sixth handle fitting assembly 600, which is similar to the second handle fitting assembly 200 assembly of Figs. 4 - 6, but with some differences. A resilient member 698 is provided, which is locatable on the elongate member 630 between the second handle 120 and the door 900 to space the second handle 120 from the door. In the example of Fig. 15, the resilient member 620 is in the form of a spring 698, and a washer 668 is locatable between the spring 698 and the second handle 120.

Seventh handle fitting assembly

Figs. 16 to 19 illustrate a seventh handle fitting assembly 700 and example components used in the assembly 700 for fitting first and second handles 710, 720 through a hole in a door 900 (door 900 is shown in previous figures). In the example of Figs. 16 - 19, the first and second handles 710, 720 are lever handles, but could be a different type of handle, such as for instance a door knob. The assembly 700 includes an elongate member 730 configured to extend through a hole 910 in the door 900, a threaded spacer 750, which is threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 750 along the longitudinal axis. The seventh handle fitting assembly 700 further includes a brace 780 which is mountable to the elongate member 730. The brace 780 includes an abutment surface 782 which is configured to extend outwardly from the elongate member 730 when the brace 780 is mounted to the elongate member 730.

The length dimension of the elongate member 730 (best shown in Fig. 20) defines a longitudinal axis. In the example of Figs. 16 to 20 the elongate member 730 is in the form of a spindle, which is configured to engage through a latch mechanism (not shown) in the door 900. The spindle has a non-circular longitudinal cross section, which may be substantially square, such that it can rotatingly engage with the latch mechanism in the door 900. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the spindle may be made from metal such as steel.

The first and second handles 710, 720 include recesses 712, 722 for receiving respective first and second ends 732, 734 of the elongate member 730. The recesses 712, 722 may have a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the end portions 732, 734 of the elongate member 730, such that the first and second handles 710, 720 do not rotate relative to the elongate member 730 when located thereon. A coupling means 740 for use in coupling the first and second handles 710, 720 to the elongate member 730 can be used to couple the first and second handles 710, 720 to the elongate member 730 when the elongate member 730 is received in the recesses 712, 722.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the coupling means 740 may be in the form of a mechanical fastener, and preferably in the form of two stop members 742, 744, as shown for example in Figs. 16 and 19. Each of the stop members 742, 744 is configured engage against the external surface of the elongate member 730, to secure the respective stop member 742, 744 in position relative to the elongate member 730. The stop members 742, 744 shown in Figs. 16 to 19 are grub screws, which include an external thread 746 and an internal opening 748 for receiving an Allan key or hex key.

An aperture 714, 724 is provided in each of the first and second handles 710, 720. The apertures 714, 724 are each configured to receive one of the stop members 742, 744 and may include internal threading to engage against the external thread 746 of the respective stop member 742, 744.

In the example of Figs. 16 to 20, and as best shown in Fig. 20, a set 738 of slots 736 is provided along the length of the elongate member 730. The set 738 of slots 736 includes three evenly spaced slots 736 (though in other examples the set 738 may include a different number of slots, such as only one slot, or the slots 736 might not be evenly spaced). The set 738 is provided in a second longitudinal half 732 of the elongate member 730. The slots 736 extend only partially through the width of the elongate member 730, and may each be in the form of a groove extending around the longitudinal cross section of the elongate member 730.

Furthermore, a through portion 735 is provided in the elongate member 730, which extends to a lesser extent than the adjacent portions of the elongate member 730 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 730. That is, the through portion 735 has a narrower cross section than the portions of the elongate member 730 either side of it. The through portion 735 is provided in a first longitudinal half of the elongate member 730. The through portion 735 of the elongate member 730 may have a substantially rectangular cross section, which has a smaller longitudinal cross-sectional area than the adjacent square longitudinal cross section portions of the elongate member. In this example the through portion 735 is a recessed portion. Two opposite u-shaped recesses extend into the elongate member 730 from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to provide a rectangular longitudinal cross section recessed portion. In other implementations, the shape of the grooves which define the recessed portion might be different.

An intermediate portion 739 with no slots therein is provided between the set 738 of slots 736 and the through portion 735. The intermediate portion 739 may be configured to be received within a latch mechanism.

The threaded spacer 750 is locatable between the first handle 710 and the door 900 (door not shown in Figs. 16 - 19). In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, the threaded spacer 750 includes an inner part 752 with external threading and an outer part 754 with an internal surface. The internal surface includes a threaded portion 756, and the outer part is configured to threadably rotate around the inner part 752. The internal surface of the outer part 754 forms the wall of a through hole 755 (shown best in Fig. 16) extending through the outer part 754. The through hole 755 extending through the outer part 754 is configured such that the inner part 752 and the elongate member 730 can rotate relative to the outer part 754 when received in the through hole 755 of the outer part 754. In this example, the through hole 755 of the outer part 754 is configured such that the inner part 752 and elongate member 730 can be inserted into the through hole 755 from either end of the hole 755. Further, in this example, the through hole 755 extending through the outer part 754 is substantially cylindrical, and the through hole 755 may be of constant width from one end to the other. The outer surface of the inner part 752 with the external threading may also have a constant width, as is the case in the example of Figs. 16 to 19, to enable the inner part 752 to pass fully through the through hole 755 in the outer part 754.

The inner part 752 may have a through hole 758 in the form of a slot for locating the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730, the hole 758 having a longitudinal cross section shaped in accordance with the longitudinal cross section of the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730, such that the inner part 752 is rotatably fixed (i.e. does not rotate) relative to the elongate member 730 when the through portion 735 is located in the through hole 758.

The slot of the inner part 752 includes an opening, extending parallel to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part 752, which is configured to receive the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730 from a direction perpendicular to the screw axis of the external threading of the inner part 752. This enables the inner part 752 to be mounted to the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730 from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 730.

The portions of the elongate member 730 longitudinally adjacent to the through portion 735 form a plurality of stop portions 737. The stop portions extend to a greater extent than the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 730. This means that the inner part 752 of the threaded spacer 750 is longitudinally fixed relative to the elongate member 730 (as well as being rotationally fixed), when located on the through portion 735.

In the example of Figs. 16 to 19, the inner part 752 is substantially cylindrical and the through hole 758 has a substantially rectangular longitudinal cross section for locating the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730. In other implementations, the through hole 758 may have a different longitudinal cross section. The outer part 754 includes one or more indentations 760 at one of the longitudinal ends of the outer part 754, where the longitudinal axis of the outer part 754 is defined by the screw axis of the threaded portion 756 of the internal surface of the outer part. The one or more indentations 760 are configured to enable a tool (not shown) with one or more projections that correspond to the one or more indentations 760 to engage with the longitudinal end of the outer part 754 and apply torque to the outer part 754. This causes the outer part 754 to threadably rotate around the inner part 752. This tool can be used where access to the sides of the outer part 754 is not possible, and it is therefore not possible to rotate the outer part 754 using for instance a spanner or pliers.

When mounted to the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730, the inner part 752 is rotationally fixed relative to the elongate member 730, and the outer part 754 can be threadably rotated on the inner part 752 using the tool with the one or more projections to increase or decrease the extent of the threaded spacer 750 along the longitudinal axis. The threaded spacer 750 may be threadably adjustable to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 750 along the longitudinal axis from a longitudinal end of the inner part 752 to a longitudinal end of the outer part 754.

The inner and outer parts 752, 754 may be made from metal, such as steel or brass. Alternatively, the inner and outer parts 752, 754 may be made from a plastics material.

The threaded spacer of Figs. 16 - 19 could be used in other applications to secure a non-cylindrical longitudinal cross-section elongate member in position by closing the space between two surfaces. For instance, applications where vibrations along the elongate member are common, which may loosen the elongate member relative to adjacent parts. The threaded spacer 750 and the elongate member 730 may be considered to be a spacer assembly.

The brace 780 is mountable to the elongate member 730 to form an abutment surface 782, where the abutment surface 782 is configured to extend outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the elongate member 730, when the brace 780 is mounted to the elongate member 730. The brace 780 is for insertion into one of the one or more slots 736 in the elongate member 730 to restrict longitudinal movement of the brace 780 relative to the elongate member 730. The brace 780 is configured to extend to a greater extent than the portions of the elongate member 730 adjacent to the one or more slots 736 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 730, when mounted to the elongate member 730. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the brace 780 is configured extend to a greater extent than the whole of the elongate member 730 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member 730, when mounted to the elongate member 730. The portions of the brace 780 extending outwardly from the respective slot 736 in the elongate member form the abutment surface 782. In this example, the brace 780 is in the form of a plate with an opening to receive the groove of one of the one or more slots 736 of the elongate member 730. The plate may include a substantially u-shaped depression, and the plate may be a steel plate.

In the example of Figs. 16 to 19, at least one insert 790, 791 is provided in the seventh assembly 700, which is locatable in a hole 910 through the door 900. In this implementation, first and second inserts 790, 791 are provided which are each locatable in the hole 910 on opposite sides of the door 900. In this example, each of the inserts 790, 791 is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder, and each of the inserts defines a confined space around the elongate member 730. The at least one insert 790, 791 enables a number of components of the assembly 700, such as the threaded spacer 750, to be positioned inside the confined space, which is located inside the hole 910 in the door 900.

Each of the inserts 790, 791 include an internal flange 797 at one end defining an aperture 796 for the elongate member 730 to extend therethrough. Each of the inserts 790, 791 may have a diameter of substantially 25 mm to locate in a hole 910 through a door 900 of a substantially equivalent diameter.

Each of the inserts 790, 791 further include an outwardly extending external flange 792 at the opposite end of the insert to the internal flange 797. The external flange 792 may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hole 910 in the door 900, in order to prevent the whole of the insert entering the hole 910 in the door 900. In some, but not necessarily all embodiments, each of the inserts 790, 791 further include one or more ridges 794 on the outside surface of the respective insert 790, 791 which are configured to engage against the interior of the hole 910 through the door 900, to inhibit rotation of the respective insert 790, 791 within the hole 910.

In some examples, the seventh assembly 700 may include one or more friction washers 788, which are each locatable in one of the at least one inserts 790, 791.

The seventh assembly 700 of Figs. 16 to 19 further includes a spacer 789. The spacer 789 is locatable inside the confined space defined by one of the at least one inserts 780 between the internal flange 797 of the respective insert 790 and the abutment surface 782 of the brace 780. The spacer 789 is in the form of a hollow cylinder, which may for instance be made from metal or a plastics material.

In use, the seventh handle fitting assembly 700 can be installed using the following method.

Firstly, the threaded spacer 750 is located on the elongate member 730, by mounting the inner part 752 to the through portion 735 of the elongate member 730, then threadably locating (i.e. screwing) the outer part 754 onto the inner part 752. The first insert 790 may then be mounted to the elongate member 730, such that the threaded spacer 750 is located inside the confined space defined by the first insert 790. A friction washer 788 may be located between the threaded spacer 750 and the internal flange 797 of the first insert 790.

The elongate member 730 is then inserted into a hole 910 in the door 900. The second insert 791 may then be then mounted to the elongate member 730 and located into the hole 910 in the door 900 on an opposite side of the door 910 to the first insert 790.

A further friction washer 788 may then be located in the confined space defined by the second insert 791. The spacer 789 may be located in the in the confined space defined by the second insert 791.

The brace 780 is then inserted into one of the one or more slots 736 of the elongate member 730, to provide the abutment surface 782 on an opposite side of the door 900 to the threaded spacer 750.

The threaded spacer 750 is threadably adjusted to increase the extent of the threaded spacer 750 along the longitudinal axis from an end of the inner part 752 to an end of the outer part 754. The threaded spacer 750 may be threadably adjusted using the tool (not shown) with one or more projections that correspond to the one or more indentations 760 in the outer part 754. The tool can apply torque to the outer part 754, and thus cause the outer part 754 to threadably rotate around the inner part 752 towards the door 900. The positioning of the indentations 760 at the longitudinal end of the outer part 754 enables the tool to engage with the outer part 754 whilst the outer part 754 is located in the confined space defined by the insert 790. When the outer part 754 is threadably rotated against a retaining surface such as the adjacent face of the door 900, or the internal flange of the first insert 790, this causes the inner part 752 to move away from the door 900, thereby pulling the elongate member 730 through the hole 910 in the door 900 towards the outer part 754. When the elongate member 730 is pulled through the door 900, the abutment surface 782 provided by the brace 780 moves towards and abuts against the opposite side of the door 900, clamping the handle fitting assembly 700 in place on the door 900.

The first and second handles 710, 720 may then be mounted to respective ends of the elongate member 730, and coupled to the elongate member 730 using the coupling means 740.

The seventh assembly 700 enables the elongate member 730 to be secured to the door 900 without coupling the first and second handles 710, 720 to the elongate member 730. This makes it possible to fit the seventh assembly to a door 900 without leaving the door 900 open, making fitting easier for instance in tight spaces. Furthermore, securing the elongate member 730 to the door without coupling the handles 710, 720 provides the advantage that if one or more of the handles 710, 720 fall off the door, the elongate member 730 will remain fixed in the latch of the door, and will not fall out of the door 900 after assembly. This means that if one or more of the handles 710, 720 fall off the door, it is still possible to operate the door, preventing a person for instance becoming stuck in a locked toilet when one or more of the handles 710, 720 have fallen off the door.

There is thus described an apparatus and method for securely fitting handles to a door without inserting screws into the face of the door. The apparatus and method enable two handles to readily be fitted to door of a variety of widths. The assembly may be disassembled if required with minimal damage to the door. When a handle is pulled, the load is transferred to the other face of the door via the elongate member, rather than pulling on the adjacent face of the door, which provides a much stronger fitting. Further, a large cover plate for attaching screws to the face of the door is not required, which saves material and provides for a more aesthetically pleasing door handle fitting. Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance different materials may be used. Different types and shapes of handles may be used. The cover plates may be differently profiled.

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. For instance, the threaded spacer 750 of the seventh handle fitting assembly 700 could be used in the other handle fitting assemblies described herein (if the shape of the through hole 758 is correspondingly adjusted).

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.

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 emphasis 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.