L-handle with safety lock feature
US6546765B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/82
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A bellcore-style latch with a safety lock feature, having a handle with a shank. The shank has an axial bore, with side apertures extending through the shank into the bore. A lock plug is positioned in the bore of the handle, and has a head and a shaft. The shaft has recessed portions and unrecessed portions, and the lock plug is rotatable to move the lock plug between a locked position, wherein the unrecessed portions are in alignment with the side apertures to cause the ball bearings located therein to protrude from the side apertures, and an unlocked position, wherein the unrecessed portions are in alignment with the side apertures permitting the ball bearings to retract into the side apertures. A spring is used to bias the lock plug to its locked position. An escutcheon with an aperture is provided for receiving the shank portion. The aperture has pockets for the ball bearings. When the handle is in a closed position and the lock plug is in the locked position, the unrecessed portions of the shaft are aligned with the side apertures and the pockets and the ball bearings are protruded into the pockets, thereby preventing turning of the handle. When the lock plug is turned by a l…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.