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Title:
LOCKING APPARATUS FOR A HANDLE SPINDLE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/128715
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided locking apparatus for a handle spindle. The locking apparatus includes a locking member movable relative to a handle frame and/or spindle in use between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use. User actuation means are provided for actuating movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position. The locking member is provided with a spindle location aperture for location of the spindle therethrough in use. The spindle location aperture has a first portion corresponding to the spindle locking position and at least a second portion corresponding to the spindle release position. The spindle location aperture is arranged such that the spindle is retainable within the spindle locking aperture in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position in use.

Inventors:
KNOTT CRAIG (GB)
BOWMAN ALAN (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2016/050213
Publication Date:
August 18, 2016
Filing Date:
February 01, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PATLOCK DESIGN LTD (GB)
International Classes:
E05B13/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014202832A12014-12-24
WO2003102333A12003-12-11
WO2011131971A12011-10-27
Foreign References:
US0758849A1904-05-03
FR2671576A11992-07-17
US7134699B12006-11-14
US4867491A1989-09-19
US5505508A1996-04-09
US1760394A1930-05-27
US4861084A1989-08-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BAILEY WALSH & CO LLP (Leeds Yorkshire LS1 2DR, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. Locking apparatus for a handle spindle, said locking apparatus including a locking member movable relative to a handle frame and/or spindle in use between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use, and user actuation means for actuating movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position, characterised in that the locking member is provided with a spindle location aperture for location of the spindle therethrough in use, the spindle location aperture having a first portion corresponding to the spindle locking position and at least a second portion corresponding to the spindle release position, the spindle location aperture arranged such that the spindle is retainable within the spindle locking aperture in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position in use.

2. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first portion of the spindle location aperture is a different shape and/or dimensions with respect to the second portion of the spindle location aperture.

3. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking apparatus includes a handle frame, the handle frame has a cavity or recess defined therein and the locking member is locatable in the cavity or recess of the handle frame in use.

4. Locking apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the locking member is arranged so that a rear surface of the locking member is flush or substantially flush with a rear surface or edge of the handle frame in use.

5. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking member is flat, substantially flat, planar, substantially planar and/or consists of a plate or plate like member.

6. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking member is arranged to undergo sliding, pivotal and/or rotatable movement in moving between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

7. Locking apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the locking member and/or user actuation means are slidably, pivotable and/or rotatably mounted on or with the handle frame in use to move the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

8. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 3 wherein guide means or member(s) can be provided on or associated with the locking member and/or the handle frame to allow sliding, pivoting or rotary movement of the locking member with respect to the locking member in use.

9. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the user actuation means has a gripping portion to allow a user to grip the same in use, and an actuation portion to actuate movement of the locking member in use.

10. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the user actuation means and/or the locking member include one or more cog wheels, gearing and/or a rack and pinion mechanism and movement of the one or more cog wheels, gearing and/or a rack and pinion mechanism allow movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

11. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first portion of the spindle location aperture is of complementary shape or substantially complementary shape to the cross sectional shape of the spindle that is to be located therethrough in use.

12. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spindle location aperture is in the shape of a keyhole.

13. Locking apparatus according to claim 3 wherein attachment means or members are provided on or associated with the handle frame for allowing the same to be attached to an item, door in window in use.

14. Locking apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes two handle frames, one for either side of a door, window or item on which the apparatus is to be located in use, and the locking member is associated with only one of the two handle frames.

15. A method of using locking apparatus for a handle spindle, said method including the steps of moving a locking member relative to a handle frame and/or spindle using actuation means between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use, characterised in that the locking member is provided with a spindle location aperture for location of the spindle therethrough in use, the spindle location aperture having a first portion corresponding to the spindle locking position and at least a second portion corresponding to the spindle release position, the spindle location aperture arranged such that the spindle is retainable within the spindle locking aperture in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position in use.

Description:
Locking Apparatus for a Handle Spindle and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to locking apparatus for a handle spindle and a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to locking apparatus for a handle spindle of a door, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the locking apparatus could be used on a handle spindle found on a window or any structure or item as required.

The weakest point of security in a house is often considered to be the external doors to the house. Most modern doors are fitted with five point mortise locks in which a number of levers and/or bolts are moved from a retracted or an unlocked position, wherein the levers and/or bolts are moved clear of lock recesses, to an extended or locked position, wherein the levers and/or bolts are moved into lock recesses. The movement of the levers and/or bolts between the extended or locked position and the recessed or unlocked position is typically actuated by turning of the handle. A keyed cylinder is typically provided to prevent such movement unless the cylinder is unlocked. If the cylinder is broken by an unauthorised person, it is relatively straightforward to open the door by simply turning the handle to retract the levers and/or bolts.

In an attempt to overcome the abovementioned problems, the applicants have devised a rotatable or pivotable door handle locking device, as set out in International Patent Application WO201 1 / l 31971. The locking device is located over an external surface of the door handles to prevent rotation of the door handles when in a locked position. A potential disadvantage of this product is that it has to be stored somewhere when not in the locked position on the door handles. In addition, since the locking device is located over the existing handles of the door in use, the aesthetic appearance of the door is changed when the device is located on the door handles.

It is known to provide locking apparatus that is provided internally of the handle apparatus for locking the spindle of a door handle or knob in position, thereby preventing rotation or pivoting of the door handle or knob in use. The advantage of this locking arrangement is that it does not have to be removed from the door handle when not in use and it does not significantly alter the aesthetic appearance of the door handles when in use. An example of such locking apparatus is disclosed in US4861084. A locking plate is provided between the door knob frame and the door and extends in the plane of the door. The locking plate is movable by rotation of a locking pin on the door knob frame that can be actuated from either side of the door. The locking plate has a fork at one end which defines a slot. The locking plate moves between a first position, wherein the spindle is captured in the slot, and a second position, wherein the fork is moved clear of the slot. When the spindle is captured in the slot, the door knob cannot be rotated and the door cannot be opened. When the locking plate is moved clear of the spindle, the door knob can be rotated and the door can be opened. However, this type of locking mechanism has typically only used on bathroom doors where privacy is required but where security of the door is not important.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide locking apparatus for locking a handle spindle that improves the security of the door, window or item on which the handle is located in use. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using locking apparatus for locking a handle spindle.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide handle spindle locking apparatus and a method of use thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided locking apparatus for a handle spindle, said locking apparatus including a locking member movable relative to a handle frame and/or spindle in use between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use, and user actuation means for actuating movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position, characterised in that the locking member is provided with a spindle location aperture for location of the spindle therethrough in use, the spindle location aperture having a first portion corresponding to the spindle locking position and at least a second portion corresponding to the spindle release position, the spindle location aperture arranged such that the spindle is retainable within the spindle locking aperture in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position in use.

Thus, by providing the locking member of the locking apparatus with a spindle location aperture in which the spindle is located or retained in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position, this significantly increases the security of the handle mechanism in which the handle spindle and locking apparatus is provided. The provision of the at least two predefined spindle positions within the locking member makes it difficult for an unauthorised user to manipulate the spindle and/or locking plate to remove the same in use. The locking apparatus of the present invention is typically integrated or retrofitted within an existing handle mechanism or handle frame in use, such that a user does not have to store a handle locking mechanism separately to the handle mechanism when the locking apparatus is not in use. In addition, the spindle locking apparatus does not significantly change or reduce the aesthetic appearance of the handle arrangement.

Preferably the spindle location aperture is defined by a continuous wall or substantially continuous wall of the locking member.

In use, with the spindle in the spindle locking position, the spindle will sit in the first portion of the spindle location aperture. As the locking member is moved from the spindle locking position to the spindle release position, the spindle enclosed or substantially enclosed within the spindle location aperture is moved from the first portion of the spindle location aperture into the at least second portion of the spindle location aperture.

Preferably the first portion of the spindle location aperture is a different or substantially different shape and/or dimensions with respect to the at least second portion of the spindle location aperture.

It is to be noted that reference to a handle spindle or handle frame in this application also covers the embodiment where the handle spindle or handle frame is a knob spindle or knob frame respectively.

In one embodiment the locking apparatus includes a handle frame. The handle frame typically has means or is arranged to support a handle or knob thereon or relative thereto in use. Preferably the handle or knob is at least partially supported on the handle frame by the handle spindle. Preferably at least part of the spindle is joined to or is located in at least part of the handle or knob, such that rotation of the handle or knob allows or results in rotation of the handle or knob in use.

In one embodiment the handle frame includes means (such as for example an aperture) for receiving a handle spindle in use.

Preferably the handle frame has a cavity or recess defined therein and the locking member is located in the cavity of the handle frame in use. For example, in one embodiment the handle frame is formed from a solid material, such as for example a metal, and the cavity is cut or machined out of the solid material.

Preferably the cavity or recess and/or an opening of the cavity or recess of the handle frame is defined in a rear surface of the handle frame or in the surface of the handle frame contacting the door, window or item on which the handle frame is to be attached to in use. The opposite or front surface of the handle frame typically faces outwardly of the door, window or item on which the handle frame is to be attached to in use.

Preferably the locking member is arranged so that a rear surface or edge of the locking member is flush or substantially flush with the rear surface of the handle frame in use. This allows the handle frame to sit flat or substantially flat on the surface of the door, window or item on which the handle frame is to be attached to in use.

In one embodiment the locking member sits between the handle frame and the door, window or item on which the handle frame is to be fitted in use. Preferably the locking member extends or is arranged to extend in the plane of the door, window or item on which the handle frame is to be fitted in use.

Preferably the locking member is flat or planar, or substantially flat or planar, and preferably consists of a plate or plate like member.

Preferably the locking member is arranged such that a longitudinal axis of the locking member is provided parallel to or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the door, window or item on which the handle frame is located in use.

In one embodiment the locking member is arranged to undergo sliding, pivotal and/or rotatable movement in moving between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

In one embodiment the locking member is slidably movable with respect to the handle frame and/or spindle in order to move the same between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

In one embodiment the locking member is pivotably or rotatably movable with respect to the handle frame and/or spindle in order to move the same between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

Preferably the locking member is slidably, pivotably and/or rotatably mounted on or with the handle frame to allow the same to move relative to the handle frame and/or spindle in use between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position. Guide means or members can be provided on or associated with the locking member and/or the handle frame to allow sliding, pivoting or rotary movement of the locking member with respect to the handle frame in use. For example, the guide means or members can include one or more protrusions provided on one of the handle frame or locking member that are movably located in one or more channels provided on the other of the handle frame or locking member and/or the like.

In one embodiment the user actuation means is slidably, rotatably and/or pivotably mounted or movable with respect to the handle frame to actuate movement of the locking member in use.

Preferably the user actuation means or member has a gripping portion to allow a user to grip the same in use and an actuation portion to actuate movement of the locking member in use.

In one embodiment the gripping portion is in the form of a button, knob, lever, arm member and/or the like.

Preferably the user actuation means, or at least the gripping portion of the user actuation means, is provided or accessible from a front surface of the handle frame, or a surface opposite to the surface where the locking member is movably mounted.

Preferably at least a part of the actuation portion is joined to or integral with the locking member.

In one embodiment the handle frame is provided with a slot, channel and/or aperture and the actuation portion and/or the gripping portion is located through and/or movable in the slot, channel and/or aperture to actuate movement of the locking member in use. In one embodiment the actuation portion is in the form of, or includes, an arm member. Preferably the arm member is slidably, rotatably or pivotably mounted in the slot, channel and/or aperture of the handle frame to allow movement of the locking member in use.

Preferably the arm member and/or actuation portion is provided between and joined to and/or associated with the gripping portion of the user actuation means and the locking member.

The arm member and/or actuation portion can include any or any combination of one or more screws, bolts, inter-engaging members, clips, protruding members and/or the like.

In one embodiment the user actuation means, the actuation portion and/or the locking member have one or more cog wheels, gearing and/or a rack and pinion means or mechanism associated with the same. Movement, and preferably rotary movement, of the one or more cog wheels, gearing and/or rack and pinion means typically results in movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position. For example, actuation of the actuation means causes movement of the one or more cog wheels, gearing and/or rack and pinion means which moves the locking member.

In one embodiment the actuation portion and/or actuation means is arranged such that rotary movement of the user actuation means results in rotary and/or linear movement of the locking member in use. In an alternative embodiment the actuation portion and/or actuation means is arranged such that linear movement of the user actuation means can result in linear and/or rotary movement of the locking member in use. In one embodiment at least one of the user actuation means and the locking member includes at least one cog member having a plurality of teeth provided on a peripheral surface thereof. The teeth engage in and are movable with respect to a plurality of recesses provided on or associated with the other of the user actuation means and the locking member.

Preferably the teeth and/or recesses provided on or associated with the locking member include a linear or substantially linear member with a plurality of teeth and/or recesses provided on at least one linear side or edge thereof.

In one embodiment the first portion of the spindle location aperture is of complementary shape or substantially complementary shape to the cross sectional shape of the spindle that is located therethrough in use.

Preferably the dimensions and/or shape of the first portion spindle location aperture are such so as to prevent rotation or movement, or substantially prevent rotation or movement, of the spindle when located therein. For example, the dimensions of the first portion aperture can be only slightly larger than the external cross sectionals dimensions of the spindle to provide a snug fit for the spindle in the aperture and prevent rotation of the same. In a further example, one or more protrusions may protrude into the aperture to prevent rotation.

Preferably the dimensions and/or shape of the second portion spindle location aperture are such so as to allow free rotation and/or movement of the spindle when located therein.

In one example, the second portion spindle location aperture is of a different shape to the shape or cross sectional shape of the spindle to allow the spindle to rotate or move when in the second portion spindle location aperture. For example, the cross section of the spindle can be square or substantially square and the second portion spindle location aperture could be circular or substantially circular in shape.

The first and second portions of the spindle location aperture are preferably in communication with each other. For example the first and second aperture portions are preferably continuous with each other.

In one example the spindle location aperture is in the shape of a keyhole.

Thus, the spindle is typically fixed in position (in that it can't move from it's location when fitted, although it can still rotate in it's location) and the locking member is movable relative to the fixed spindle between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position.

The handle frame can include a handle, knob and/or the like to allow a user to move the door, window or item to which the handle frame is attached to in use between open and closed positions .

Preferably the handle, knob and/or the like includes an aperture, channel, slot, recess and/or the like into which at least part of the spindle is located in use. The aperture, channel, slot, recess and/ or the like is typically located on a rear side of the handle frame, or side of the handle frame arranged to face towards the door, window or item in use.

In one embodiment the locking apparatus includes two handle frames, one for locating on each side of the door, window or item that is to be moved between the open and closed positions in use.

Preferably only one of the two handle frames is provided with the user actuation means and/or locking member, such that the locking member can only be moved/manipulated from one side of the door, window or item on which the handle frame is located in use.

Preferably a single spindle is provided between, in or associated with the two handle frames and/or the aperture, channel, slot, recess and/or the like, of the handle, knob and/or the like provided on the handle frames in use.

Preferably attachment means or members are provided on or associated with the handle frame for allowing the same to be attached to an item, door or window in use.

The attachment means or members can include one or more apertures, screws, nuts and bolts, inter-engaging members, clips, welding, adhesive and/ or the like.

In one embodiment where two handle frames are provided, preferably the attachment means are accessible from one of the handle frames only. This ensures that the handle frames can be removed and/or located thereon from one side of the item, door or window only but are prevented from being removed from the an opposite side of the item, door or window.

In one embodiment the handle frame includes one or more apertures for the location of one or more screws or other attachment means therein. A screw or other attachment means is typically locatable through the aperture of one of the handle frames and engages in a channel, recess, slot, aperture and/or the like defined on a rear surface of the other handle frame.

In one embodiment the spindle is of a type including stop means provided on or associated with the same so as to prevent removal or movement of the spindle means in at least one direction when fitted to the handle frame, a handle and/or knob in use. The stop means typically prevent removal or movement of the spindle means in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the spindle means, even if the door handle or door knob is removed or smashed off by an unauthorised person. An example of a spindle including stop means is set out in the applicant's co-pending British Patent Application GB 1419771.9, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Preferably the stop means includes at least first and second stop means provided a spaced distance apart on the spindle.

Preferably the first stop means is integrally formed with the spindle.

Preferably the second stop means is movable on the spindle in one direction only. Thus, the first and second stop means are arranged such that the spindle can be fitted to a door handle or knob but, once fitted, movement of the spindle in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle is prevented.

Preferably the item to which the handle frame is attached to or forms part of in use is a door, window, item of furniture and/or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using locking apparatus for a handle spindle, said method including the steps of moving a locking member relative to a handle frame and/or spindle using actuation means between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use, characterised in that the locking member is provided with a spindle location aperture for location of the spindle therethrough in use, the spindle location aperture having a first portion corresponding to the spindle locking position and at least a second portion corresponding to the spindle release position, the spindle location aperture arranged such that the spindle is retainable within the spindle locking aperture in both the spindle locking position and the spindle release position in use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided locking apparatus for a handle spindle, said locking apparatus including a handle frame with means for receiving a spindle in use, a locking member movable relative to the handle frame and/or spindle between a spindle locking position, wherein rotation of the spindle is prevented or substantially prevented in use, and a spindle release position, wherein the spindle is capable of rotation in use, and user actuation means for actuating movement of the locking member between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position, characterised in that user actuation means are slidably mounted on the handle frame, such that sliding of the user actuation means results in locking member being moved between the spindle release position and the spindle locking position.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided handle spindle locking apparatus; and a method of use thereof. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figures l a and lb show a perspective view from an external door side of handle apparatus, and a perspective view from an internal door side of handle apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention respectively;

Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view from an external door side of handle apparatus, and a perspective view from an internal door side of handle apparatus, with the door removed, when in a spindle release position according to the first embodiment respectively;

Figures 3 shows a perspective view from an external door side of handle apparatus, with the door removed when in a spindle locking position according to the first embodiment;

Figures 4a and 4b show an exploded view from an external door side of handle apparatus, and an exploded view from an internal door side of handle apparatus, with the door removed according to the first embodiment respectively;

Figure 5 shows an enlarged exploded view from an internal door side of handle apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 6a and 6b show enlarged views of an internal door side of handle apparatus, with the handle frame removed, in a spindle release position and a spindle locking position according to the second embodiment respectively. Referring firstly to figures l a-4b, there is shown handle apparatus 2 for a patio door. The handle apparatus 2 is located on an upright frame section 4 of the patio door in use.

The handle apparatus 2 includes a handle frame 6 for location on the exterior side of the patio door, as shown in figure l a, and a handle frame 6' for location on the interior side of the patio door, as shown in figure l b.

In the illustrations, each handle frame 6, 6' comprises a frame body 8 that protrudes outwardly from the surface of the door frame 4 on which it is located in use. A keyhole aperture 10 is defined in handle frame 6, 6' for the location of a key therein in use to actuate locking and unlocking of a door locking mechanism (not shown) . The door locking mechanism can be of any conventional type, such as for example a five point mortise lock. An elongate door handle 12 protrudes outwardly from the handle frame 6, 6'. The door handle 12 is pivotable or rotatable in an upwardly or downwardly direction, or a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, as shown by arrow 14, to allow the door to be opened and closed in use.

The interior side handle frame 6' is provided with attachment means in the form of apertures 16 located adjacent the top and bottom edges 18, 20 of frame 6' for the location of attachment screws 22 therethrough respectively. Corresponding apertures are made in the door frame to allow the handle frame 6, 6' to be attached to the same in use. The attachment screws 22 pass through the apertures 16 of handle frame 6' and engage with a channel 24 provided on a rear side 26 of the exterior side handle frame 6. As such, the screws 22 cannot be accessed from an exterior side of the handle frame 6. A spindle 28 is located in a channel defined in each of door handles 12. More particularly, an end 30 of the door handle 12 facing towards the opposite handle frame has a channel 32 defined therein for the location of an end 34 of spindle 28.

The spindle 28 is of a type similar to that disclosed in the applicant's co-pending British Patent Application GB 1419771.9 having stop means provided a spaced distance apart along the longitudinal axis of the spindle between the first and second ends of the spindle so as to prevent movement or removal of the spindle in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spindle. However, it will be appreciated that other types of spindles could be used.

In the illustrations, the spindle 28 is elongate in form having a square cross section (although the spindle could have any cross sectional shape) . A first stop means in the form of a peripheral protrusion 36 extends outwardly of the spindle body and is provided towards the end of the spindle adjacent the handle frame 6. In this example, the protrusion 36 is integrally formed with the spindle body. A second stop means in the form of a resiliently biased spring clip 38 having an aperture defined therein through which the spindle 28 is located and engages with in use. The spring clip 38 is provided towards the end of the spindle adjacent the opposite handle frame 6'. Angled teeth 40 provided on an external surface of the spindle 28 ensure the clip 38 can be moved in one direction only along the spindle 28. Once the spindle is fitted to the handles 12 o f the handle frames 6, 6', the stop means 36, 38 prevent the spindle from being removed from the handle frames or handles 12.

In accordance with the present invention, a locking plate 42 is provided for preventing rotation of the spindle 28, and therefore preventing rotation of the handle 12, when in a spindle locking position. Locking plate 42 is slidably mounted to a rear side 44 of handle frame 6'. In particular, a cavity is defined in rear side

44 of handle frame 6' and the locking plate 42 is slidably mounted within the cavity. A rear surface of the locking plate 42 is flush with the rear edge surfaces of the handle frame so that the handle frame can be fitted flush with the patio door in use.

Guide means in the form of two outwardly extending protrusions 43 are provided on the side walls of the locking plate for slidable location in corresponding recesses or channels

45 defined in the side walls of the handle frame 6', as shown in figure 4a.

User actuation means are provided for allowing a user to actuate movement of the locking plate 42 between one of two predefined positions in use, a spindle locking position, as shown in figure 3, and a spindle release position, as shown in figure 2a. The user actuation means includes a gripping portion in the form of a button 46 provided on a front side of the handle frame 6' and an actuation portion in the form of a screw 47. Button 46 is slidable between a raised position, wherein the button is relatively closer to the top 18 of handle frame 6' and this corresponds to the spindle release position, and a lowered position, wherein the button is relatively further away from top 18 of handle frame 6' and this corresponds to the spindle locking position, as shown by arrow 48.

Screw 47 is joined to a rear surface of button 46 and protrudes outwardly therefrom. A slot 50 is defined in body portion 8 of handle frame 6'. An aperture 52 is defined in locking plate 42. Screw 47 passes through slot 50 and through aperture 52. As such, user actuated sliding movement of the button 46, moves locking plate 42 in a corresponding upwardly or downwardly direction. Locking plate 42 has a spindle location aperture 54 defined therein through which the spindle 28 is located in use. The spindle location aperture 54 is the shape of a keyhole having a first upper portion 56 and a second lower portion 58.

The upper aperture portion 56 is of complementary shape to spindle 28 but is of slightly larger dimensions than the external dimensions of spindle 28. This allows spindle 28 to be moved into and out of the aperture portion 56 but prevents rotation of spindle 28 when located in said portion.

The lower aperture portion 58 is of a different shape and dimensions to upper portion aperture portion 56. In particular, lower aperture lower aperture portion 58 is circular in shape and has larger dimensions than the external dimensions of spindle 28. This allows spindle 28 to be moved into and out of the aperture portion 58 and allows free rotation of spindle 28 when located in said portion.

Thus, when the locking plate 42 is moved into the spindle locking position, rotation of the spindle 28 is prevented and therefore rotation of handle 12 is prevented. When the locking plate 42 is moved into the spindle release position, rotation of the spindle 28 is allowed and therefore rotation of handle 12 is allowed.

Referring to figures 5-6b, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the locking plate 42 is moved between the spindle locking position and the spindle release position by rotation of user actuation button 46. i y

The actuation portion of the user actuation means is in the form of a cog 60 having a plurality of teeth 62 provided around the peripheral edge thereof. Cog 60 is fitted to the rear surface of the user actuation button 46. The teeth 62 of cog 60 engage in a plurality of recesses 64 defined along a linear rack member 66. The recesses 64 are defined between teeth 68 formed on the rack member 66. Thus, the cog 60 and rack member 66 form a rack and pinion type system.

Rotation of button 46 by a user rotates cog 60 which causes rack member 66 to move relative to cog 60 in an upwardly direction towards top edge 18 of frame member 6', or in a downwardly direction towards bottom edge 20 of frame member 6'. When rack member 66 is moved in a downwardly direction, this causes the spindle 28 to move into the lower spindle aperture portion 58, thereby allowing the spindle 28 and handle 12 to be rotated, as shown in figure 6a. When rack member 66 is moved in an upwardly direction, this causes the spindle 28 to move into upper spindle aperture portion 56, thereby preventing the spindle 28 and handle 12 from being rotated, as shown in figure 6b.