Analysis of The Seven Character Handle

The Origin of Window Handle

The rise of modern window technology marks a shift in window production from traditional craftsmanship to large-scale standardized industrial production processes. In the long history, the production of windows often relied on the manual skills of craftsmen, lacking a unified standard, and thus its applicability was greatly limited. Even the pull-up windows invented in late 17th century England, despite their complex mechanical principles and widespread dissemination, their production efficiency, window shape changes, and applicability to building types are still limited.

At the end of the 19th century, the British developed a standard cold-rolled iron window, which could be made into various types of windows using a limited variety of standard profiles, including inward windows, outward windows, double windows, swing windows, high windows, and row windows. However, the window technology at that time had lasted for over a thousand years, but there was still no corresponding hardware solution. Therefore, the invention and innovation of door and window hardware accessories became an urgent need, and the handle was an indispensable key component.

Crittall, a British company, has played an important role in the development of door and window hardware accessories. In 1920 and 1924, the company registered patents for inner and outer window handles, respectively. The design feature of these handles is that they have a horizontal protrusion on their head, which can combine with the window frame when the window is closed, forming an effective locking effect. The inner window is designed with a lock seat on the window frame, while the outer window handle directly rotates the handle head horizontally protruding onto the window frame. Due to the more material efficient design of the outward opening handle, outward opening windows have gradually become mainstream in subsequent products, while the types of inward opening windows are relatively few.

However, there is a problem with this handle, which is that it can only lock one point and cannot guarantee complete sealing of the window. To address this issue, Crittall has launched a solution for linked multi-point locks. This multi-point lock connects the handle to the secondary locking point through an additional connecting rod, thereby enhancing the sealing performance of the window. In 1925, Crittall Company launched a linked two-point lock at its branch in Dusseldorf, Germany, and further expanded to linked three-point locks in the 1931 Detroit branch sample in the United States.

At the same time, another well-known British standard iron window company, Henry Hope&Sons Limited (referred to as Hope Company), has also achieved significant results in the research and development of handles. They not only focus on the basic functions of the handle, but also pay more attention to its micro ventilation function. This type of handle is combined with the window frame through two slots on the locking tongue, forming two different sized gaps between the frame and the fan, thereby achieving a micro ventilation effect. During this period, Hope Company applied for multiple patents related to handles, all of which extended the development of handle details.

It is worth noting that although these patents were only officially registered in the early 20th century, the invention of the handle itself should have been earlier. In the sample published by Hope Company in 1904, there were already multiple grip schemes, indicating that this grip technology was already quite mature and widely used at that time. In fact, the idea of using a knob structure to lock windows had already been applied to wooden windows in 19th century Europe.

With the continuous development of modern window technology, handles have gradually evolved into modern handles. Modern handles not only meet installation requirements, but also emphasize a good operating experience and outstanding aesthetics. At the same time, standardization and mass production have become important features of modern handles. This type of handle is commonly referred to as a seven character handle in China due to its shape resembling the number 7. On cold-rolled iron windows, the fixing of the seven shaped handle is very convenient and can be fixed by welding, rivets, or screws, so it has long been favored in the window industry.

However, with the development of light metals (such as aluminum alloys) and plastic steel profiles, the application scenarios of the seven character handle are gradually limited. Although its styles and materials may seem diverse, the functional limitations of outward facing windows, such as avoiding hand contact and interference with window frame profiles, fundamentally limit the development of seven character handles in industrial design. Nowadays, although the seven character handle can still be found in the market, its main application is limited to low-end windows.

Generally speaking, as an important form of modern window handles, the origin and evolution of the seven character handle are closely related to the development of modern window technology.

Practicality and Materials

The material selection of the seven character handle also reflects its high quality and practicality. Common materials include stainless steel, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, etc. Stainless steel handles have the characteristics of corrosion resistance and wear resistance, making them suitable for humid and highly corrosive environments; The aluminum alloy handle is lightweight and beautiful, suitable for modern minimalist style doors and windows; Zinc alloy handles have high strength and good processing performance, which can meet different design requirements. In addition, with the advancement of technology, some new materials have gradually been applied in the manufacturing of seven shaped handles, such as carbon fiber composite materials, further improving the performance and quality of products.

In the manufacturing process, the seven character handle adopts advanced production technology and strict quality control standards to ensure that each component achieves high precision and high quality. From the selection of raw materials to the delivery of finished products, strict inspection and testing are carried out to ensure the stability and reliability of the products. At the same time, manufacturers also continuously optimize product design and manufacturing processes based on market demand and consumer feedback, making the seven character handle more in line with the needs of modern home decoration.

As an innovative design of door and window hardware, the seven character handle brings new choices for modern home decoration with its unique appearance, practical functions, and high-quality materials. It not only enhances the convenience and safety of doors and windows, but also adds unique charm to the home through diversified material selection and exquisite appearance design. In summary, door and window hardware seven character handles have become an indispensable part of modern home decoration due to their innovative design, practical functions, significant advantages, and high-quality materials.