Vandal resistant T-handle assembly

• US 6,564,597 B1
• Filed: 08/13/2001
• Issued: 05/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Star Lock Systems Inc.
• Original Assignee: Star Lock Systems Inc.
• Inventors: Stillwagon, Woodrow C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gall, Lloyd A.
• Application Number:
  US09/928,384
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 702/08, 704/17, 70D/IG.31, 702/07, 702/10, 702/15--17, 702/21, 702/24, 292/336.3, 292/DIG.31, 292/347
• US Class Current: 70/208
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 5/003 Pop-out handles, e.g. sliding outwardly before rotation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/57 Operators with knobs or handles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5761 Retractable or flush handle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5832 Lock and handle assembly
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7921 Armoring

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vandal resistant T-handle assembly for a T-handle locking assembly commonly used in vending machines. The T-handle assembly comprises a hardened, tamper resistant back plate coupled to a face element of the T-handle assembly. The back plate is formed from a tamper resistant, high strength material so as to resist attempts by thieves and vandals to gain access to interior compartments of a vending machine by drilling through, battering or otherwise destroying the face element of the T-handle assembly and thereafter breaking the locking assembly.

Claims

1. A T-handle assembly comprising:

a T-handle comprising a face element attached to a T-handle body, wherein said face element comprises a front face and a rear face having a recessed portion with a ledge formed therein; and

,

a back plate comprising a raised edge stiffener disposed along a lengthwise edge thereof, said back plate being coupled to said rear face of said face element, wherein said T-handle body extends through a passage in said back plate and said raised edge stiffener engages said ledge of said face element.

2. The T-handle assembly of claim 1 and wherein said rear face comprises a protrusion formed therein.

3. The T-handle assembly of claim 2 and wherein said back plate further comprises a mounting hole that receives said protrusion when said back plate is coupled to said rear face of said face element.

4. The T-handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said face element further comprises a blind pin hole defined therein.

5. The T-handle assembly of claim 4, wherein said face element further comprises a drill-resistant pin inserted into said blind pin hole.

6. The T-handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said face element further comprises a rounded outer edge.

7. The T-handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said back plate is formed of a drill-resistant material.

8. The T-handle assembly of claim 1, wherein said back plate is formed of steel.