Background to the Invention

Doors typically have latch mechanisms for holding the door closed, by means of a latch which engages in a recess or keep in the door jamb. Windows can have similar latch mechanisms. Such latch mechanisms are typically operated by means of a handle (usually either a lever type handle or knob type handle). For interior doors, the latch mechanism may be without a lock, and therefore readily openable by anyone operating the handle. For doors with locks, such as exterior doors, it is often desirable to leave the door unlocked for temporary periods, so that people can freely pass through the door without needing to unlock it. When young children are present, it may be desirable to secure a door, for example, an external door leading outside or a door leading to stairs or other hazards, via use of an add-on "safety lock" that prevents the child from opening the door. An available safety lock for doorknobs covers the doorknob with a loosely fitting shell which rotates freely around the doorknob. A child grasping the shell can turn only the shell and not the contained knob. An adult with greater hand strength may compress the shell against the doorknob so as to enable rotation of the doorknob through the shell. This type of safety lock only works with door knobs, not lever type handles. Other safety locks are available for lever type handles. For example, US7334824 (Kidco) discloses a child safety device for lever type handles having a housing that fits around the handle, a cover pivotally mounted on the housing and a lock assembly to be mounted on the door above the cover, the lock assembly selectively engaging the cover for preventing rotation of the cover. In order to open the door from the side on which the device is mounted, the lock assembly needs to be disengaged from the cover, allowing the cover to be rotated, thus rotating the handle within the housing. This device is cumbersome to install as it comprises several parts that need to be installed over/above the door handle. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a handle assembly for a window or door leaf, the handle assembly comprising:

a first handle grip, the first handle grip being moveable rotatably and axially relative to a handle axis,

the handle grip having a closed position, wherein the handle grip is in a first angular position and an open position, wherein the handle grip is in a second angular position, the handle assembly having a latch-operating configuration in which the handle assembly is configured for driving a latch between a latched position and a released position, and a non-latch-operating configuration in which the handle assembly is non- operable for driving the latch,

wherein the handle assembly is configured such that the handle assembly is transformed from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by moving the handle grip axially along the handle axis.

The handle assembly is suitably of use where it is desired to secure a door without locking the door using some sort of locking means extending between the door and door jamb. The handle assembly of the present invention provides a safety means preventing young children from being able to open the door or window. In the non-latch-operating configuration the handle assembly is not configured to operate the latch, whereas in the latch-operating configuration the handle assembly is configured for operating the latch between a latched position and a released position. The handle assembly is converted from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by moving handle grip along the handle axis. In other words, the axial movement is translational movement substantially orthogonal to the plane of the leaf to which handle assembly is mounted. In some embodiments the handle assembly is converted from the non-latch- operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by pushing the first handle grip relative to the leaf and in some embodiments the handle assembly is converted from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by pulling the first handle grip relative to the leaf. The handle grip is preferably arranged such that it is rotatable about a handle axis that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the leaf. Driving of the latch may encompass driving of the latch via a suitable drive mechanism such as a gear mechanism. Preferably the handle assembly has a forward end and a rearward end, the handle assembly being transformed from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch- operating configuration by one of moving the first handle grip axially forwards relative to the leaf and axially rearwards relative to the leaf. The leaf has an 'internal' side, i.e. a side which it is desired to prevent young children from exiting from, and an 'external' side, whether that be outside of the house or just outside of the area that it is desired to prevent young children from exiting from. The forward end of the first handle grip faces towards the internal side of the leaf when assembled to the leaf and the rearward end of the first handle grip faces away from the leaf when assembled.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises first blocking means transformable between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration, wherein in the blocking configuration the handle grip is prevented from being rotated from the closed position to the open position by the blocking means and wherein in the non-blocking configuration the handle grip is free to be rotated from the closed position to the open position, wherein the handle assembly is configured such that the blocking means is transformed from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration by moving the handle grip axially along the handle axis.

Preferably the handle assembly has a forward end and a rearward end, the blocking means being transformed from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration by one of moving the first handle grip axially forwards relative to the leaf and axially rearwards relative to the leaf.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises biasing means to bias the blocking means towards the blocking configuration. In preferred embodiments the biasing means comprises a spring. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises handle biasing means to bias the first handle grip to its closed position.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a snib mechanism, which when operated in use, prevents the first handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means. Preferably the blocking means comprises a stop member and a blocking formation, the blocking formation being coupled to the first handle grip for movement therewith, the blocking formation being engageable with the stop member when the first handle grip is in its blocking configuration, thereby preventing the first handle grip from being rotated from its closed position to its open position. The blocking formation is suitably coupled to the first handle grip for movement therewith, therefore the blocking formation moves axially along the handle axis as the handle grip is moved axially along the handle axis during conversion of the assembly from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration. The blocking formation coupled to the handle grip for movement therewith may be integral with the handle grip or mounted thereto.

In certain embodiments said blocking formation comprising a protrusion projecting radially from the handle grip axis. The protrusion may be a cam lever for example. The stop member is preferably arranged so that the blocking formation engages the stop member if a user attempts to rotate the handle grip from the closed position to the open position when the handle grip is in the blocking formation.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a housing, the first handle grip being moveable rotatably and axially relative to the housing, the blocking formation being housed within said housing in use.

Preferably the radially projecting protrusion extends from a tubular body. Preferably the tubular body is arranged around part of the first handle grip in use such that the tubular body rotates upon rotation of the handle grip.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a housing, the first handle grip being moveable rotatably and axially relative to the housing, the stop member being provided on the housing for engagement with the blocking formation when the blocking formation is in the blocking configuration. Preferably the stop member is mounted to or integral with an inside surface of the housing.

Preferably the protrusion has a chamfered shape. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises biasing means to bias the blocking means towards the blocking configuration, said biasing means comprising a plate spring. The plate spring could also be described as a V spring, cantilever spring or spring clip. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises handle biasing means to bias the first handle grip towards its closed position and a snib mechanism, which when operated in use, prevents the first handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means, the snib mechanism comprising a plate spring configured to be frictionally engaged by the protrusion when the first handle grip is in its open position. The plate spring snib mechanism may also act as a biasing means to bias the protrusion towards the blocking configuration, the plate spring being configured to urge the protrusion towards the blocking configuration when the protrusion is released from frictional engagement with the plate spring. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a housing and a first spindle that is rotated upon rotation of the first handle grip, the first handle grip being moveable rotatably and axially relative to the housing, the blocking formation being provided on the first spindle and the stop member being provided on the housing for engagement with the blocking formation when the blocking formation is in the blocking configuration. The spindle is preferably coupled to the first handle grip such that the spindle moves with the first handle grip as the first handle grip is rotated and/or translated axially.

Preferably the blocking portion of the first spindle has a non-round cross-sectional shape and the stop member comprises a bore in the housing of corresponding size and shape to prevent the first spindle from rotating when the blocking portion is received in the bore, wherein in the blocking configuration the blocking portion is received in the bore.

Preferably the blocking portion of the first spindle has a square cross-sectional shape and the stop member comprises a bore in the housing of corresponding square cross-section.

Preferably the first spindle further comprises a cut-out portion of smaller diameter than the blocking portion, wherein in the non-blocking configuration the cut-out portion is received in the bore such that the first spindle is free to be rotated. Preferably the cut-out portion is adjacent the blocking portion of the first spindle. Preferably the cut-out portion has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape.

Preferably the axial length of the cut-out portion is substantially equal to or longer than the axial length of the bore in the housing.

Preferably the cut-out portion is rearward of the blocking portion of the first spindle. By locating the cut-out portion rearward of the blocking portion, the handle assembly is therefore configured to be transformed from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration by moving the handle grip axially forwards relative to the leaf (i.e. by pushing the handle towards the leaf). The cut-out portion may alternatively be forward of the blocking portion, in which case the handle assembly would be configured to be transformed from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration by moving the handle grip axially rearwards relative to the leaf (i.e. by pulling the handle grip away from the leaf).

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises handle biasing means to bias the handle grip to its closed position and a snib mechanism, which when operated in use, prevents the handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means, the bore in the housing comprising a first opening, the snib mechanism comprising a counterbore recess at the first opening of the bore, the counterbore recess having a cross-sectional shape and size matching that of the bore, the counterbore being angularly offset relative to the axis of the bore, the first spindle having a shoulder between the cut-out portion and the blocking portion of the first spindle, the shoulder being shaped and sized to be retained within the counterbore recess such that when the handle grip is in the open position, the shoulder can be received in the counterbore recess, thus preventing the handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means. The counterbore recess suitably provides a discrete position for snib position. The angular offset between the counterbore recess and the bore suitably corresponds to the angle between the closed and open position of the handle grip. Where the bore has a square cross-section, the counterbore recess suitably also has a square cross-section, but offset from that of the bore. The cross-sectional shape and size of the bore substantially matches that of the counterbore recess. Preferably the first handle grip is configured to be mounted to a first side of a leaf and the handle assembly further comprises a second handle grip configured to be mounted to the opposite side of a leaf from the first handle grip. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a second spindle that is rotated upon rotation of the second handle grip. The first spindle is preferably fixed relative to the first handle grip such that it moves with the first handle grip. The second spindle is preferably configured to rotate upon rotation of the second handle grip, but to be slidable relative to the second handle grip. The second handle grip therefore does not move axially as the first handle grip is moved axially.

Preferably the handle assembly further comprises a first spindle that is rotated upon rotation of the first handle grip for driving a latch of latch mechanism between a latched position and a released position, wherein in the non-latch-operating configuration the first spindle is positioned such that it is dis-engaged from the latch mechanism and wherein in the latch-operating configuration the first spindle is positioned such that it engages the latch mechanism such that rotation of the first handle grip drives the latch. Preferably the handle assembly has a forward end and a rearward end, the handle assembly being transformed from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by pushing the handle grip axially forwards relative to the leaf. Preferably the handle assembly further comprises biasing means for biasing the handle assembly towards the non-latch-operating configuration.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for a handle assembly according to any preceding aspect of the invention.

In the context of the present invention, the term "mounting" means connecting or joining, either directly or by means of an intermediate or auxiliary element. It is to be understood that the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be any "second," and the mere use of the term "second" does not require that there be any "third," etc. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a handle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the handle assembly of Figure 1A but with the latch mechanism and latch means removed;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of at least part of a handle assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, from the internal side of the leaf;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 2 from the external side of the leaf; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the housing of the handle assembly of the first embodiment Figure 5 is an exploded view of the second handle grip of the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a view of the outward facing side of the inner cover plate and tubular member of the assembly of Figure 2;

Figure 7 A shows the plate spring of the assembly of Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 7B shows an alternative spring for the snib mechanism according to a further embodiment, mounted to the inner cover plate;

Figure 7C shows the spring of Figure 7B;

Figure 8A shows a forward perspective view of a backplate for an alternative embodiment; Figure 8B shows a rearward perspective view of the backplate of Figure 8A.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only. Common features between the assemblies of the different figures are referenced by common reference numerals.

Figure 1 A shows some features of a typical handle assembly 10 for a window or door leaf that are common between the embodiments of the present invention described herein. The handle assembly 10 is designed for use with spindle means 12 which drives a latch means 1 1 mounted to a leaf (not shown) and which is engageable with a retainer or catch (not shown) on an adjacent door jamb to latch the door in its closed position. The latch means 1 1 can be withdrawn to permit opening of the door by turning of the spindle means 12, which is driven by at least a first handle grip 14 coupled to the spindle means 12 such that rotation of the first handle grip 14 rotates at least part of the spindle means 12. Typically the latch means 1 1 is spring biased into its latched position in which it is engaged with the retainer or catch in the door jamb. The spindle means 12 is coupled to the latch means 1 1 by a conventional latch mechanism 13, such as a gearbox, which operates to retract or withdraw the latch means upon rotation of the spindle means 12, disengaging the latch means 1 1 from the cooperating retainer or catch, thereby permitting the door to be opened.

The first handle grip 14 is for mounting to a first side of a leaf (not shown). The handle assembly may include a second handle grip 15, for mounting to a second, opposing side of the leaf, as shown in the assembly 10 of Figure 1A. However, it will be understood that the assembly need not include a second handle grip 15 for the opposing side of the door 15. The leaf has an 'internal' side, i.e. a side which it is desired to prevent young children from exiting from, and an 'external' side, whether that be outside of the house or just outside of the area that it is desired to prevent young children from exiting from. In the assembly of Figure 1 A the first handle grip 14 is an internal handle grip (i.e. it is on the internal side) and second handle grip 15 is an external handle grip 15 (i.e. it is on the external side). The first handle grip 14 is mounted to a housing plate 20 that houses certain parts of the assembly and which is referred to herein as housing 20 (a housing is not essential, but is a preferred feature). The housing 20 is mounted to the leaf by suitable means such as suitable fixings. The internal handle grip 14 has a forward end (which could also be referred to as an outward end) that faces towards the leaf when assembled and a rearward end (which could also be referred to as an inward end) that faces away from the leaf when assembled.

As will be described further below, the handle assembly has a non-latch-operating configuration in which the assembly is configured such that the latch mechanism is not operable using the first handle grip. The handle assembly also has a latch-operating configuration in which rotation of the first handle grip causes operation of the latch mechanism. In some embodiments the handle assembly can be converted from the non- latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by pushing the first handle grip relative to the leaf. In other embodiments the handle assembly can be converted from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch-operating configuration by pulling the first handle grip relative to the leaf. Further details of various embodiments will be described below. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a handle grip assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 2, the first handle grip 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 20 via a nose portion 17 which is received by the housing 20. The handle grip 14 is moveable about a handle axis A between a first angular position, corresponding to a 'closed' position for the handle grip in which the latch means 1 1 is in its latching position, and a second angular position, corresponding to an Open' position in which the latch means 1 1 is retracted and therefore in its unlatched position. In the present embodiment, the handle grip 14 is horizontal when in its closed position, however the handle grip 14 may be at other orientations when in the closed position. In the present embodiment the handle grip 14 is in its open position when the handle grip is depressed to rotate about 45 degrees from the horizontal position, however the open position may be at other angles relative to the closed position. The handle assembly 10 in Figure 1A is a left handed door handle assembly, however the invention can of course be provided for a right handed door handle assembly. Referring to Figure 4, the housing 20 comprises an outer cover plate 21 and an inner cover plate 22 and a back plate 23. The inner cover plate 22 is arranged to be positioned over the back plate 23, the inner cover 22 plate being shaped to form a cavity therein to house certain parts of the handle assembly mechanism. The outer cover plate 21 is shaped and sized to fit over the inner cover plate 22. The inner cover plate 22 has throughbores 22d for receiving suitable fixings, such as screws, to secure the inner cover plate 22 to the leaf. The outer cover plate 21 is secured over the inner cover plate 22, for example via an interference fit. The back plate 23 has throughbores 23d and the inner clover plate has throughbores 22e for receiving suitable fixings, such as screws, to secure the back plate 23 to the inner cover plate 22. Referring to Figure 2, the back plate 23 has a plurality of lugs 23e (in this embodiment, four lugs), which are receivable in bores 22f in the inner cover plate 22, to locate the back plate 23 relative to the inner cover plate 22 and to prevent rotation of the back plate 23 relative to the inner cover plate 22, as the handle mechanism is operated. The outer cover plate 21 and inner cover plate 22 each have a bore 21 a, 22a therein through which is received the nose portion 17 of the handle grip 14. In Figures 2 and 3 the inner cover plate 22 and outer cover plate 21 are shown assembled together, with the outer cover plate 21 mounted over the inner cover plate 22. In other embodiments, the inner cover plate 22 and outer cover plate 21 could be provided as a unitary piece.

The spindle means 12 is a drive shaft, at least a portion of which has a square cross- section which couples to the handle grip 14 and the latch mechanism 13 in use, for driving the latch means 1 1 between its latched and unlatched positions. The square shaped spindle part(s) and corresponding receiving bores may of course be of polygonal cross- sectional shapes other than square. Referring to Figure 1 B, the spindle means 12 comprises a first spindle 7 (an internal spindle) that is received in a spindle bore 14a of the first (internal) handle grip 14 and a second spindle 8 (an external spindle) that is received in a spindle bore 15a of the second (external) handle grip 15. In other embodiments the spindle means 12 may instead comprise a single spindle that extends between from the spindle bore 14a of the internal handle grip 14 and into the spindle bore 15a of the external hand grip 15. The first spindle 7 is secured relative to the first handle grip 14 such that as the first handle grip 14 is rotated or translated axially, the first spindle 7 will move with it.

The handle assembly 10 has a latch-operating configuration in which the handle assembly is configured for driving the latch 1 1 between a latched position and a released position, and a non-latch-operating configuration in which the handle assembly is non-operable for driving the latch 1 1 . In some embodiments, the handle assembly 10 further comprises blocking means transformable between a blocking configuration and a non-blocking configuration. In the blocking configuration, the blocking means prevents the first handle grip 14 from being moved from its closed position to its open position. In the non-blocking configuration the first handle grip 14 is free to be rotated from the closed position to the open position. This provides a safety feature that makes it difficult for young children to open the door. In such embodiments, the blocking configuration corresponds to the non- latch-operating configuration and the non-blocking configuration corresponds to the latch- operating configuration.

In preferred embodiments the blocking means comprises a blocking formation and a stop member, the blocking formation being coupled for co-axial rotation with the first handle grip, the blocking formation being engageable with the stop member when the blocking means is in the blocking configuration, thereby preventing the handle grip from being rotated from its closed position to its open position. Preferably the blocking formation is coupled to the first handle grip so as to rotate co-axially with the first handle grip.

Referring to Figure 2, in a first embodiment the blocking formation is a protrusion 30 projecting radially away from the handle grip axis A. The protrusion 30 is formed on a tubular body 31 that is received around the nose portion 17 of the handle grip 14 such that rotation or translation of the handle grip 14 causes rotation or translation of the tubular body 31 respectively. The tubular body 31 may alternatively be received around the spindle means 12. In alternative embodiments the protrusion may be arranged in some other manner such that it is coupled to rotate and translate as the first handle grip does so, other than being formed on a tubular body. The tubular body has a throughbore 32 of rounded square cross-section (however it may be other polygonal shapes) which is configured to be received around the nose portion 17 of the handle grip 14, which has a corresponding outer cross-sectional shape. The first handle grip 14, first spindle 7 and tubular body 31 are secured relative to one another so that the tubular body 31 and first spindle 7 rotate with the first handle grip 14. In this embodiment the first handle grip 14 and first spindle 7 are secured together by a handle fix screw 35, which is received in a throughbore 37 in a bottom portion of the tubular body 31 , a throughbore 38 passing through the nose portion 17 of the first handle grip 14 and a throughbore 39 passing through the first spindle 7. The tubular body 31 is secured to the first handle grip 14 using a U shaped pin 41 having a bridging portion and two legs. Referring to Figure 3, the two legs of U shaped pin 41 pass through parallel throughbores 46 in the tubular body 31 and also through parallel throughbores 43 in the nose portion 17 of the first handle grip 14. The stop member is provided on the housing 20, and in this embodiment, more specifically on the inner cover plate 22. Referring to Figure 3, the stop member 40 comprises a formation that protrudes into the cavity of the housing 20 and blocks rotation of the protrusion 30 when the assembly is in its blocking configuration, such that protrusion 30 engages the stop member 40 if an attempt is made to rotate the handle grip 14 from its closed position to its open position.

Referring to Figure 3, the back plate 23 has a forward surface 23b that is configured to lie against the internal side of the leaf when installed. The back plate 23 also comprises a protruding portion, which in this embodiment is a cylindrical portion 23a, extending from the forward surface 23b in the forward direction, forming a cavity therein with a large opening facing rearwardly. The cylindrical portion 23a receives a spring 24, which in this embodiment is a helical compression spring, the forward end of spring 24 engaging the rearward side of the cylindrical portion 23a and the rearward end of spring 24 engaging the forward end of tubular body 31 (or alternatively the rearward end of spring 24 may engage the nose portion 17 of the handle grip 14 and/or the tubular body 31 ). The spring 24 biases the first handle grip 14, which is coupled to the tubular body 31 , away from the back plate 23, therefore biasing the first handle grip away from back plate 23.

The blocking means is converted from its blocking configuration to its non-blocking configuration by pushing the handle grip axially forwards. This moves the tubular body 31 (and therefore the protrusion 30) forwards to an axially depressed position relative to the housing 20. When the assembly is in the blocking configuration, the protrusion 30 is aligned, co-planar with the stop member 40, in a plane parallel with the leaf. When the assembly is in the non-blocking configuration, the protrusion 30 is displaced from its position co-planar with the stop member 40, such that when a rotational force is applied to the protrusion, it is free to rotate. The tubular body 31 has an enlarged portion 34 that extends radially away from the handle axis A, preferably forming a flanged portion around the tubular body 31 . Referring to Figure 6, the inner cover plate 22 has first and second concave guide walls 22c, one on either side of the inside of the inner cover plate 22. Each guide wall is shaped as a portion of a rounded tube, so that the first and second concave guide walls 22c are shaped to receive the enlarged portion 34 of the tubular body therebetween, to guide axial translation and rotation of the tubular body 31 .

When converting the assembly to the non-blocking configuration, the handle grip 14 can be pushed forwards, for example until the enlarged portion 34 of the tubular body engages a rearward facing surface of the back plate 23. With the blocking means in this non- blocking configuration, the first handle grip 14 is no longer stopped from being rotated to its open position and therefore the handle can be moved to its open position. Preferably the first spindle 7 has a forward end portion that is chamfered and has a round cross- section, smaller in diameter than the aperture 13a for receiving the spindle of the latch mechanism 13, and a latch-mechanism-engaging portion rearward of the forward end portion, the latch-mechanism-engaging portion being shaped and sized to engage in aperture 13a so as to drive the latch mechanism. When the assembly is in the blocking configuration, the first spindle 7 is positioned such that only the chamfered forward end portion of the first spindle is received in the aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13. When the first handle grip 14 has been pushed axially forwards such that the assembly is in the non-blocking configuration, the latch-mechanism-engaging portion engages in aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13 so that as the spindle is rotated, the latch mechanism 13 will be operated.

Referring to Figure 1 B, when the first handle grip 14 is pushed relative to housing 20, in order to convert the blocking means from its blocking configuration to its non-blocking configuration, the first spindle 7 will move axially forwards along handle axis A by means of being pushed by the rearward end of spindle bore 14a. The forward end of the first spindle 7 will push against the second spindle 8. When the assembly is in the non-blocking configuration there is preferably a small gap between the forward end of the first spindle 7 and the rearward end of the second spindle 8. Referring to Figure 5, at the forward end of the spindle bore 15a in the second handle grip 15 is a compression spring 15c. The compression spring 15c urges second spindle 8 outwardly from spindle bore 15a such that when a force depressing the first handle grip 14 relative to housing 20 is removed, the second spindle 8 will return to its non-depressed state. The second spindle 8 has a C- shaped stop clip 8a received around the spindle at a notch 8b, towards its rearward end to prevent the second spindle 8 from extending into the latch mechanism 13 beyond the stop clip 8a.

Referring to Figure 5, the second handle grip 15 is pivotally mounted relative to an external escutcheon or rose plate 26 via a nose portion 15b. The escutcheon 26 comprises an outer cover plate 27 and an inner plate 28. The inner plate 28 has throughbores 29 for receiving suitable fixings, such as screws, to secure the inner plate 28 to the leaf. The outer cover plate 27 is secured over the inner plate 28, for example via an interference fit between the outer circumference of the inner plate 28 and a mating surface inside the outer cover plate 27. Around the nose portion 15b of the second handle grip is received a handle fixing brace 16 which has a circular outer cross-section for receipt within circular through bores 27a and 28a in the outer cover plate 27 and inner plate 28 respectively. The handle fixing brace 16 has a throughbore 16a of rounded square cross-section (however it may be other polygonal shapes) which is configured to be received around the nose portion 15b of the second handle grip 15 which has a corresponding outer cross-sectional shape. The handle fixing brace 16 has an enlarged, flange-like portion 16b that extends radially away from the handle axis A. The enlarged portion 16b is received rearward of the inner plate 28. A return spring (not shown in the figures) may be provided to urge the second handle grip into its closed position. Such return springs are standard within door handle assemblies. The handle fixing brace 16 is secured to the second handle grip 15 via an interference fit, however other suitable means may be used to secure the handle fixing brace 16 and second handle grip 15 together, such as suitable fixings.

Referring to Figure 3, the assembly includes handle biasing means which biases the first handle grip 14 to its closed position. The handle biasing means comprises a cassette body 19a which is housed in the cavity of the housing 20. The cassette body 19a is urged against the tubular body 31 by one or more cassette return springs 19b. In this embodiment there are two cassette return springs 19b, which are helical compression springs, located between the cassette body 19a and a shelf 22b on the inside of the inner cover plate 22, but other spring means may be used. The enlarged portion 34 of the tubular body 31 has a round external perimeter except for a flat side 33, which is on the underside of the enlarged portion 34 when the handle is in the closed position. The spring biased cassette body 19a acts on the enlarged portion 34 and if it engages the curved outer perimeter, urges the tubular body 31 to a position in which the cassette body 19a engages the flat side 33 (i.e. a rest position), in which the handle grip 14 is in the closed position. The assembly further comprises a plate spring or spring clip 25 mounted within the housing 20 that provides a snib mechanism, which when operated prevents the handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means. It also provides a biasing means to bias the blocking formation towards the blocking configuration as will be further explained. The plate spring 25 is shown in Figures 2 and 3 mounted to the back plate 23 and on its own in Figure 7A. The plate spring 25 is a member, preferably formed of metal, having a bridging portion 25a and two opposing limbs 25b, which extend rearwardly from the bridging portion 25a. The limbs 25b are spring biased away from one another, the distal end of each limb pointing towards the opposing limb. The plate spring 25 clips around the back plate 23, with the bridging portion 25a lying against the forward surface 23b of the back plate 23 and the limbs 25b gripping around the sides of the back plate 23. The back plate 23 has two notches 23c (visible in Figure 4), one on each side, for receiving the limbs 25b of the plate spring. The plate spring 25 is located so that the protrusion 30 frictionally engages one of the limbs 25b of the plate spring 25 when the protrusion 30 is fully in the non-blocking configuration. The protrusion 30 has a chamfered shape, like a chamfered arrow, each side of which is configured to engage a corresponding limb 25b of the plate spring 25. Once the assembly has been converted to the non-blocking configuration and being rotated into its open position, as the first handle grip 14 reaches its open position, the protrusion 30 will engage the limb 25b on the right side of the assembly (when viewing from the internal side of the assembly). Once in this position, the tubular body 31 is then retained at the angular orientation corresponding to the open position via frictional engagement of the protrusion 30 against a limb 25b of the plate spring 25. This prevents the handle from returning to the closed position under the bias of the cassette body 19a and cassette return springs 19b. However, if a small force is imparted to the first handle grip 14 to urge the first handle grip 14 towards the closed position, the frictional engagement between the protrusion 30 and the plate spring 25 is overcome and the plate spring 25 will urge the tubular body 31 to return towards an angular position corresponding with the non-blocking configuration. Once the frictional engagement is overcome, the cassette body 19a and cassette return spring 19b will also act on the tubular body to return the handle grip 14 to the closed position.

The assembly shown in the Figures 1 to 3 is set up to be a left handed door handle assembly, however the assembly can be modified/configured to provide a right handed door handle assembly. For example, in a right handed door handle assembly the first handle grip 14 will be mounted to extend to the left, rather than to the right when facing the leaf from the internal side and the tubular body 31 will rotate anticlockwise when facing the leaf from the internal side. In a right handed door handle assembly the protrusion will engage the limb 25b on the left side of the assembly (when viewing from the internal side of the assembly). The protrusion 30 is suitably chamfered on both its right and left sides (like an arrow) so that it can engage a limb 25b of the plate spring 25 arranged on either side of the housing 20, depending on whether the handle assembly is a right handed or left handed assembly. Referring to Figure 6, the housing 20 includes two stop members 40, arranged one on either side of the housing 20. In this way, the stop member 40 will block the protrusion 30 when the assembly is in the blocking configuration, whether the handle assembly is a right handed or left handed assembly.

Figures 7B and 7C shows part of an alternative embodiment that is the same as the Figure 2 embodiment, but instead of the plate spring 25 with two limbs 25b, the assembly incorporates a single plate spring 25', mounted at the side of the housing 20 that the protrusion 30 rotates towards during opening, to provide a snib and return mechanism. Figure 7B shows a plate spring 25' which, when assembled, is mounted on the right side of the inner cover plate 22 (when viewing from the internal side of the assembly). The plate spring 25' is substantially V shaped in cross-section, each side of the V forming a plate portion. One side of the V is secured to the housing 20 (to the outside of the inner cover plate 22), with the other side protruding into the cavity in the inner cover plate and being free to provide a spring action. The plate spring 25' is located so that the protrusion 30 frictionally engages the free side of the plate spring 25' when the protrusion 30 is in the non-blocking configuration. This prevents the handle from returning to the closed position under the bias of the cassette body 19a and cassette return springs 19b. If a small force is imparted to the first handle grip 14 to urge the first handle grip 14 towards the closed position, the frictional engagement between the protrusion 30 and the plate spring 25' is overcome and the plate spring 25' will urge the tubular body 31 to return to its non-blocking angular position. Once the frictional engagement is overcome, the cassette body 19a and cassette return spring 19b will also act on the tubular body to return the first handle grip 14 to the closed position. For a right handed assembly a plate spring 25' may be mounted on the opposite side of the housing 20 (or the assembly may include two plate springs 25', one mounted on either side of the housing 20, so that a plate spring 25' is provided whichever way the first handle grip 14 is configured to rotate. In a further embodiment, the assembly is configured such that the blocking means is converted from the blocking configuration to the non-blocking configuration by means of pulling the handle grip 14 away from the leaf rather than pushing it towards the leaf as in the embodiment described above (i.e. a pull to release embodiment rather than a push to release embodiment). In this embodiment, the assembly may be the same as that shown in the Figure 2 embodiment, except that the stop member is located on the back plate rather than the inside of the inner cover plate. Figures 8A and 8B show a back plate 23' of a pull to release embodiment that has a stop member 40' that protrudes from the rearward face of the back plate 23' into the cavity of the housing 20 and which is located in the normal path of rotation of the protrusion 30 when in its blocking configuration, such that protrusion 30 engages the stop member 40' if an attempt is made to depress the handle grip 14 to move it to its open position. Pulling of the handle grip 14 axially away from the leaf converts the blocking means from its blocking configuration to its non- blocking configuration by moving the tubular body 31 axially rearwards relative to the housing 20. This moves the protrusion 30 into a position wherein its rotational path is not blocked by the stop member 40' if the first handle grip 14 is opened. With the assembly in this non-blocking configuration, the handle grip 14 is no longer stopped from being rotated to its open position. The plate spring 25 or 25' interacts with the protrusion 30 in the same way as in the previous embodiments, to provide a snib mechanism and also to urge the tubular body 31 to its first angular position. The assembly includes suitable means to bias the handle grip into its rest, non-pulled state.

The back plate 23' shown in Figures 8A and 8B is for a left handed door handle assembly, however it will be understood that for a right handed door handle assembly the stop member 40' will be located on the left hand side of the rearward face of the back plate 23' instead of on the right hand side as shown in Figure 8B.

In further embodiments, the blocking formation of the blocking means may be provided on the spindle means. In such embodiments, the blocking formation on the spindle means engages a stop member provided on the housing to prevent the spindle from rotating when the blocking means is in a blocking configuration. The blocking means can be converted to a non-blocking configuration by moving the handle grip 14 axially forwards relative to the housing in certain embodiments, or rearwards relative to the housing in other embodiments. The blocking formation of the spindle will now be described in more detail in relation to the Figure 2 embodiment. The Figure 2 embodiment includes the blocking formation on the tubular body 31 as well as a separate blocking formation on the spindle means, however it will be understood that embodiments may include one or other blocking mechanism instead of both. The spindle means 12 comprises a first spindle 7 that is received in a spindle bore 14a of the first (internal) handle grip 14 and a second spindle 8 that is received in a spindle bore 15a of the second (external) handle grip 15 (the spindle means 12 may instead comprise a single spindle that extends between from the spindle bore of the internal handle grip 14 and into the spindle bore of the external hand grip 15). Referring to Figure 3, the forward end of the first spindle 7 has a forward end portion 7a that has a round cross-sectional shape and a chamfered end. Rearwards of the forward end portion 7a of the first spindle 7 is a blocking portion 7b, which has a square outer cross-section that is sized and shaped to engage in a square shaped aperture 13a in the latch mechanism 13 so that the first spindle 7 can drive the latch mechanism 13 when the first handle grip 14 is rotated. Rearwards of the blocking portion 7b of the first spindle 7 is a cut-out portion 7c of smaller diameter than the blocking portion 7b, which in this embodiment has a round cross-sectional shape like that of the unchamfered part of the forward end portion 7a. Rearwards of the cut-out portion 7c, the spindle has a handle driven portion 7d with a square outer cross-section that is sized and shaped to engage in the spindle bore 14a of the handle grip 14 (in this embodiment the handle driven portion 7d has an outer cross-section matching that of the blocking portion 7b).

The stop member on the housing comprises a bore 42 in the cylindrical portion 23a of the back plate 23. The bore 42 has a square shaped cross-section and is sized to prevent the first spindle 7 from rotating when the blocking portion 7b is received therein. When the assembly is in its blocking configuration, the first spindle 7 is arranged axially relative to housing 20 such that at least part of the blocking portion 7b is received within the bore 42 in the back plate 23.

In this embodiment, the assembly is converted from its blocking configuration to its non- blocking configuration by pushing the handle grip 14 axially forwards. This translates first spindle 7 forwards axially relative to housing 20. The first handle grip 14 can be pushed axially forwards until part of the first handle grip or something coupled to it abuts the rearward facing surface of the back plate 23; in this embodiment the enlarged portion 34 of the tubular body will abut the rearward facing surface of the back plate 23 when the assembly is in the blocking configuration. In the non-blocking configuration, the cut-out portion 7c is received within the bore 42 and the blocking portion 7b is forwards of the bore 42, at least part of the blocking portion 7b being received in the aperture of the latch mechanism 13. The first spindle 7 is therefore free to be rotated since in this configuration the cut-out portion 7c is received within the bore 42; in this configuration, upon rotation of the handle grip 14, the first spindle 7 will rotate. Referring to Figure 1 A, when the assembly is in the blocking configuration, the first spindle 7 is positioned such that only the chamfered forward end portion 7a of the spindle is received in the aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13. When the first handle grip 14 has been pushed axially forwards such that the assembly is in the non-blocking configuration, the blocking portion 7b of the spindle with outer square cross-section engages in the correspondingly shaped aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13, such that as the spindle is rotated, the latch mechanism 13 will be operated. The blocking portion 7b of the first spindle may therefore also be described as a latch- mechanism-engaging portion. As with an embodiment that incorporates a protrusion 30 and stop member 40 as the blocking portion and stop member, the helical compression spring 24 received in the cylindrical portion 23a of the back plate 23 biases the handle grip 14 away from the back plate 23.

This embodiment also has a snib mechanism, which, when operated, prevents the handle grip from moving from its open position to its closed position under the bias of the handle biasing means. The snib mechanism comprises a counterbore recess 44 in the forward opening of bore 42. The counterbore recess 44 has a square cross-sectional shape, sized to match that of the bore 42, but the counterbore recess 44 is angularly offset relative to the axis of the bore 42. The first spindle 7 has a shoulder 7e between the cut-out portion 7c and the blocking portion 7b, the shoulder 7e being shaped with a square-shaped cross- section and being sized to fit in the counterbore recess 44. When the blocking means is in the non-blocking configuration and the handle grip 14 has been moved to the open position, the square shoulder 7e can be received in the counterbore recess 44, thus preventing the handle grip 14 from moving from its open position to its closed position. The angular offset of the counterbore recess 44 relative to the bore 42 matches the angle between the closed position of the first handle grip 14 and the open position of the first handle grip 14, in which the latch means 1 1 has been retracted to its unlatched position.

In order to unsnib the assembly, the first handle grip 14 is pushed forwards sufficiently to disengage the shoulder 7e from receipt within the counterbore recess 44. If the first handle grip 14 is then let go by the user, the cassette body 19a and cassette return springs 19b will urge the first handle grip 14 back to the horizontal, closed position and the spring 24 will urge the handle grip to its non-depressed position.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures), an assembly having a blocking portion on the first spindle and a stop member on the housing can be provided, similar to the embodiment described above, except that the assembly is configured to convert the blocking means to the non-blocking configuration by pulling the first handle grip 14 axially rearwards relative to the housing, rather than pushing it forwards relative to the housing. It will be understood that a different spindle can be provided, having a blocking portion and cut-out portion suitably arranged differently compared to that shown in the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, for a mechanism in which the first handle grip is configured to be pulled relative to the housing to convert to the non-blocking configuration.

In alternative embodiments the handle assembly may be transformed between a non- latch-operating configuration to a latch-operating configuration without the assembly requiring any blocking means. In some embodiments this conversion may be by pushing the first handle grip relative to the leaf. In other embodiments this may be by pulling the first handle grip relative to the leaf. Referring to Figure 1 A, an example of an embodiment in which the handle assembly is transformed into the latch-operating configuration by pushing the first handle grip may comprise a first spindle that has a chamfered forward end portion 7a and latch-mechanism-engaging portion 7b rearward of the forward end portion which is similar to blocking portion 7b of the embodiment of Figure 1 A (but the first spindle need not necessarily include any cut-out portion 7c). When the assembly is in the non-latch-operating configuration, the first spindle 7 is positioned such that only the chamfered forward end portion 7a is received in the aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13. When the first handle grip 14 has been pushed axially forwards such that the assembly is in the latch-operating configuration, the latch-mechanism engaging portion 7b of the spindle with outer square cross-section engages in the correspondingly shaped aperture 13a of the latch mechanism 13, such that as the spindle is rotated, the latch mechanism 13 will be operated. In an alternative embodiment the spindle may be configured such that it has a non-latch-operating configuration in which the spindle or spindle part coupled to the first handle grip is not engaged with latch mechanism and a latch-operating configuration in which the spindle or spindle part is engaged with the latch mechanism, the assembly being convertible from the non-latch-operating configuration to the latch- operating configuration by pulling the first handle grip relative to the leaf. Such embodiments may of course additionally have blocking means, such as blocking means like those described in previous embodiments.