Bar-type Handle Patents (Class 16/436)
  • Patent number: 7003849
    Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed self locking hinge that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge can easily be opened and closed with one hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with poles for many common applications such as walking sticks, canes, ski poles and wading staffs used by fly fishermen who need poles to navigate through a stream to avoid holes or rocks in the stream bed. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fulcrum Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold H. Cohen, James Q. Maloy, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 6986177
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for supporting an individual during repositioning. A handle permits a user facing a first direction to traverse the perimeter of the handle to face a second direction. Thus, the user moves from a first position to a second position while maintaining contact with the handle with at least one hand. The handle has an arcuate portion that permits a user to slide one or two hands such that the user pivots about the arcuate portion to face another direction while retaining a grip. The apparatus may further include a base coupled to the handle that supports the user during movement around the arcuate portion. A hinge connects the handle to the base and permits the handle to rotate between a storage position and a support position. A bar mounted to the base enables lateral slidable adjustment of the handle along the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Bart J. Thaxton
  • Patent number: 6968599
    Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a core member, an outer sheath disposed about the core member, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. The outer sheath is deformable, such that when a hand grips the pliable handle, the force applied causes the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shape of the hand, and the applied force causes load movement of the gel. The pliable handle has a so-called memory effect, meaning that after the grip on the handle is released, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of time before the handle returns to its original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Shedrain Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Blauer, Stan Blauer
  • Patent number: 6964214
    Abstract: A handlebar grip for bicycle includes a grip member having a hard base and a soft outer layer. The hard base has a straight tubular body and an upright end portion formed integral with the straight tubular body. The soft outer layer is fixedly fastened to and covered on the surface of the hard base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: International Bicycle Products Corporation
    Inventor: Kuang-Hui Wu
  • Patent number: 6959469
    Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a core member, an outer sheath disposed about the core member, and gel disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. The outer sheath is deformable, such that when a hand grips the pliable handle, the force applied causes the pliable handle to deform and conform to the shape of the hand, and the applied force causes load movement of the gel. The pliable handle has a so-called memory effect, meaning that after the grip on the handle is released, the deformation in the handle will remain for a period of time before the handle returns to its original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: She drain Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Blauer, Stan Blauer
  • Patent number: 6925686
    Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Peter M. Neumann, Michael E. Short
  • Patent number: 6889405
    Abstract: An improved tool handle for a resulting tool is configured to be of an ergonomic cross section, such as a rounded triangle or a teardrop. The improved tool handle may include a core of glass strands within a plastic binder, as well as a coating formed over the core that resists penetration of glass strands therethrough. The coating of such a tool handle may be formed of two separate materials of two durometer hardness in order to provide both a relatively hard grip region and a relatively soft grip region that are contiguous. Such a tool handle may additionally include texturing such as knurling on the harder grip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Ritrovato, Karen Richwine
  • Patent number: 6871385
    Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a plurality of base members which are initially attached at spaced longitudinal positions to a front face portion of a refrigerator door, with tab elements of the base members extending into openings formed in the door and screws fixing the base members in place. The base members also include hook elements having tapered and angled portions. Once the base members are secured, sections of the handle are placed over the base members and the handle is slid relative to the base members whereupon the hook elements co-act with structure on the handle such that the handle is drawn tight to the front face portion of the door. With the handle in this position, one or more mechanical fasteners are driven into a body portion of the handle and into the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest F. Wing, Michael J. Eveland, Thomas E. Gose
  • Patent number: 6854939
    Abstract: A winch bar has an insertion portion adapted to fit in openings of a winch drum of non-circular cross-section, typically square or hexagonal, whereby the winch bar cannot rotate relative to the openings to present hazards of injury to persons or property which can result with prior art circular drum openings and circular cross-section bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Darryl Im
  • Patent number: 6832413
    Abstract: There is shown a reformable handle (10) having an air pump (12), partially surrounded by a covering (13) so as to define a chamber (17) which contains a mass of filler material (18). The handle may be reformed into another configuration by a person firmly grasping the handle (10) so as to deform the covering (13) to conform with the person's grip and evacuating the air from within the chamber (17). The removal of air from within the chamber causes the covering to constrict about the filler material thereby locking the filler material in place. The handle may later be reconfigured by actuating a pressure release valve (44) which allows the return of air into the chamber. Once air is returned the filler material may be reconfigured and the pump actuated again to re-evacuate the chamber and once again reform the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Applewhite, Reynaldo Aratea
  • Patent number: 6826804
    Abstract: A furniture handle comprises a frame having a frame wall defining a cavity. The frame has at least one protrusion opening extending from the cavity through the frame wall. An insert is adapted to be retained within the cavity. The insert has a protrusion extending through the at least one protrusion, opening beyond the frame wall. Preferably the cavity has an insert opening accessible from outside of said frame, such that the insert can be placed into and removed from the cavity. Preferably the insert is made from one of a polymer gel, neoprene, rubber, latex rubber, suitable PVC and polyurethane foams, and styrene or polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Palliser Furniture Ltd.
    Inventor: S Paul Zaidman
  • Patent number: 6807738
    Abstract: A blade gripping mechanism in a heavy duty artistic knife includes a straight handle combined with a first and a second halves and secured by a pair of screws. The straight handle has a tubular projection in front end for elastically disposing a positioning member which has a pair of tenons symmetrically formed on opposing outer peripheries and a rectangular receiving space in rear end for releasably disposing a tool box therein. A head has a first annular ring on rear end sleeved on the tubular projection including two pairs of mortises in an inner flange made engageable with the tenons and an annular gap in communication with a flat gap in the body. A blade rack having a second annular co-axially sleeved on the tubular projection together with the first annular ring and a blade disposing space in side of a flat upright for placing a blade therein. When changing a new blade, press the blade rack downward to have it rotating out of the flat gap and then push it in again after the changing of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Shih-Chin Shih, Yin-Hae Huang
  • Patent number: 6799353
    Abstract: A portable support handle for assisting individuals in exiting and entering motor vehicles. The support handle is designed to removably engage a door striker pin of the vehicle when the door is in an open position. The handle preferably comprises a metal shaft including a pin engagement portion sized to lockably fit into an opening defined by the striker pin in a deployed position; and a grip portion which extends laterally from the striker pin in the deployed position to provide a secure, readily accessible temporary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Avenue Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6786010
    Abstract: An outdoor storage structure for storing equipment and lawn accessories in a portable shed. The outdoor storage structure includes a base assembly including a base floor and anchor members being attached to sides of the base floor for anchoring the base floor to a ground; and also includes a cover member being hingedly attached along a back edge of the base floor and including top, side, front, and back walls; and further includes hinge members being attached to the base floor and to the cover member; and also includes handle members being attached to the cover member for the lifting thereof; and further includes a lock assembly for locking the cover member to the base assembly; and also includes a light-emitting member being disposed upon an underside of the cover member; and further includes an alarm member also being disposed upon the underside of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: William R. Mc Nabb
  • Patent number: 6771172
    Abstract: An alarm light integrated into the top of the handle of a portable patient monitor or other portable medical diagnostic instrument. Since the top of the handle is the highest point of the monitor, the alarm light can be clearly seen from the sides, top and back of the monitor. Because the alarm light is integrated into the handle structure, it can be easily moved with the monitor and cannot be accidentally disconnected. In addition, the structure of the handle protects the alarm light from damage during transport. The alarm light assembly includes a circuit board which supports at least one light-emitting diode and a connector for supplying electrical power to the light-emitting diode(s), and a light-transmitting plastic lens which supports the circuit board. When activated, the light-emitting diodes are visible through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Scott W. Robinson, Eric R. Slotty, Alan E. Clapp, Patrick Allen Van Ryzin, Richard J. Frangesch
  • Publication number: 20040128798
    Abstract: A hand grip attachment for the handle end of a hand-operated member has a cylindrical member of a pliable and resilient material to establish the firmness for the hand grip attachment. The cylindrical member has an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a handle receiving space to enable the hand grip attachment to be mounted about the handle end of the hand-operated member, a wall between the exterior surface and the interior surface has at least one longitudinally extending groove and at least one longitudinally extending ridge member forming at least one sized and shaped air space having a predetermined volume, and elongated ridges with engagement members on the interior to form the handle receiving space, and the volume of air in the at least one air space in combination with the pliable and resilient cylinder member to establish the feel of the hand grip attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: D.B. Consolidated Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Paulino Cacicedo
  • Publication number: 20040123429
    Abstract: A protective strap includes a base layer and a top layer bonded to the base layer. The base layer is fastened to a handle of a sporting apparatus or a sleeve fitted onto the handle. The top layer, which is made of rubber and is smaller in thickness than the base layer, is provided with not only shock-absorptive and skidproof effects but also holding comfortableness. Additionally, the top layer is larger in width than the base layer such that a space is formed under where the top layer is overlapped while the protective strap is spirally wound around the handle or the sleeve. When the sporting apparatus is rotated in a direction opposite to a direction around which the protective strap is wound, the top layer can be partially deformed toward the space to absorb an external force such that the protective strap will not be turnup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Wang
  • Patent number: 6749790
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for a hand tool and a method for the manufacture of the handle. The problem of the invention is to provide a handle for a hand tool, whose surface is formed from areas of distinguishable materials and which simultaneously has a good and pleasant grippability. A handle according to the invention for a hand tool, particularly a turning tool, is made from plastic. It has a surface from flush-connected areas of distinguishable materials. The two materials can be distinguished from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Adolf Wurth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl Lieser, Andreas Dierolf
  • Patent number: 6728994
    Abstract: A new handle attachment for attaching to a screed to aid in the leveling of freshly laid concrete. The inventive device includes an elongate shaft with a handle portion extended from one end of the shaft and a pair of arms extending from another end of the shaft. Each of the arms has a slot therein which are designed for receiving an item, such as a screed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Rushin, Jr., Khadijah Bey-Rushin
  • Patent number: 6711784
    Abstract: A handle conversion device for facilitating movement of a wheeled object which includes a preexisting handle with a grip member having a longitudinal axis positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to a desired direction of movement. The handle conversion device includes a hand grip, a neck and an attachment portion. The hand grip includes a longitudinal axis orientated substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the grip member of the preexisting handle, and substantially within the plane defined by the forward and rearward movement of the wheeled object. The attachment portion includes a hook member and a retention member which, in combination, act to releasably retain the grip member of the preexisting handle, to controllably maintain the substantially perpendicular relationship of the hand grip for the handle conversion device to the preexisting handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Jelmar
    Inventor: Morris W. Walker
  • Patent number: 6708374
    Abstract: A plastic terminal end section of a refrigerator handle is secured to an upper in-turned portion of a refrigerator door by forming the end section with a lower channel defined, at least in part, by in-turned, tie-down flanges. The overall mounting assembly also incorporates a metal plate which slips into the channel and receives mechanical fasteners such that the fasteners extend into the terminal end section of the handle, through the metal plate, and into the door. With this arrangement, the metal plate functions to clamp down the tie-down flanges to the door when the fasteners are tightened, thereby securing the terminal end section of the handle to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Sheldon W. Mandel
  • Patent number: 6701578
    Abstract: A telescopic handle for a cleaning implement has a seat, an outer tube mounted in the seat, an inner tube received in the outer tube, and a middle tube movably provided between the outer tube and the inner tube. A sealing member is secured inside a rear end of the middle tube and movably provided outside the inner tube. A positioning sleeve is mounted at a front end of the outer tube. The handle has a good watertight effect, and can be used over a long-term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jung-Hui Lu
  • Publication number: 20040040120
    Abstract: A furniture handle comprises a frame having a frame wall defining a cavity. The frame has at least one protrusion opening extending from the cavity through the frame wall. An insert is adapted to be retained within the cavity. The insert has a protrusion extending through the at least one protrusion, opening beyond the frame wall. Preferably the cavity has an insert opening accessible from outside of said frame, such that the insert can be placed into and removed from the cavity. Preferably the insert is made from one of a polymer gel, neoprene, rubber, latex rubber, suitable PVC and polyurethane foams, and styrene or polystyrene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: S. Paul Zaidman
  • Patent number: 6698065
    Abstract: A marking implement includes a structure which is capable of automatic orientation in an upright position upon a horizontal surface. The structure includes a weighted base having a substantially rounded and convex exterior, and adapted to support the marking implement vertically upon a horizontal surface. A handle extends between a making head and the weighted base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jennifer L. Lauer
  • Publication number: 20040031127
    Abstract: A handle grip structure includes an elastic tube, and a slender strip mounted on the elastic tube. The slender strip includes a foamed layer having an inner surface wrapped and bonded around an outer surface of the elastic tube, and a polyester layer coated on an outer surface of the foamed layer. Thus, by provision of the foamed layer having a determined elastic restoring force, the handle grip structure has an excellent shock absorbing effect, thereby decreasing the sport damage applied on the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Chen
  • Publication number: 20040031128
    Abstract: A handle grip structure includes an elastic tube, and an impregnated polyurethane layer mounted on an outer periphery of the elastic tube by a predetermined working process, so that the polyurethane layer are integrally formed on the elastic tube, thereby forming an integral structure Thus, the handle grip structure may have an excellent shock absorbing effect, thereby efficiently reducing the vibration when hitting the ball, and thereby greatly decreasing the sport damage applied on the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6691372
    Abstract: An extendable tool handle with a hollow gripping handle (1) comprised of 2024 T3 aluminum with a knurled segment (2), through which an extendable slide shaft (3) comprised of 6AL 4V titanium with a longitudinal slide groove (4) may travel. The slide shaft (3) can be locked in either the extended or collapsed position by means of a lock comprising a spring plate (5), and spring cap (6) of 2024 T3 aluminum, and a 19/64 button head screw (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Ruhland
  • Patent number: 6684459
    Abstract: A handle for a tool. The handle includes a bow-shaped handle end section, a straight middle section, and a fixing end section for attaching the tool. In the handle a S-bow-shaped handle section is arranged between the straight middle section and the fixing end section. The S-bow-shaped handle section is provided with a first, straight handle area connected to the middle section by a first, bent section, and a second, straight handle area connected to the first, straight handle area by a second, bent section. The fixing end section is connected to the second handle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dickhaus & Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Dickhaus
  • Publication number: 20040010888
    Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a plurality of base members which are initially attached at spaced longitudinal positions to a front face portion of a refrigerator door, with tab elements of the base members extending into openings formed in the door and screws fixing the base members in place. The base members also include hook elements having tapered and angled portions. Once the base members are secured, sections of the handle are placed over the base members and the handle is slid relative to the base members whereupon the hook elements co-act with structure on the handle such that the handle is drawn tight to the front face portion of the door. With the handle in this position, one or more mechanical fasteners are driven into a body portion of the handle and into the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Forrest F. Wing, Michael J. Eveland, Thomas E. Gose
  • Patent number: 6678920
    Abstract: A soft-touch drawer pull including a substantially rigid substrate and a rubber-like plastic attached to the outer surface of the substrate. The substrate preferably includes teeth or catches on an inner surface that interact with corresponding recesses or holes on a drawer unit or other article to allow the drawer pull to be easily secured to the unit or article. Preferably, the drawer pull further includes catches that interact with snaps on a drawer to further secure the drawer pull to the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Parker, Cameron Courtwright, Dean T. Miller
  • Patent number: 6675674
    Abstract: A locating/controlling structure for telescopic tube including an elliptic outer tube. A rotary button is rotatably disposed at one end of the outer tube. The rotary button is connected with an elliptic rod passing through the outer tube. An inner tube is telescopically nested in the outer tube. One end of the inner tube fitted in the outer tube is provided with a cock body formed with a central circular hole through which the elliptic rod is passed. The cock body has a stop section protruding from the inner tube. The stop section is formed with two radially opposite receptacles. A movable block is disposed in each of the receptacles. Each movable block has a contacting face complementary to the inner circumference of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Kuang Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 6672693
    Abstract: A cooling receptacle capable of making an installing operation of a handle simpler and fixing the handle on an exterior member or material strongly is provided. The cooling receptacle having a storage room in a heat-insulated housing which has an opening in a front side, said opening being adjustable to open or close by a door, comprising a cut formed in an exterior member of the door a screw hole formed in the exterior surface near the cut, a handle base connected to the cut so as to cover the cut, and a main body of the handle provided in the handle base and fixed in the exterior member by a screw which is screwed to the screw hole, said handle base being provided with a flange extending to a back surface of the exterior member in which the screw hole is placed, and said flange having an installing section for a nut member or material which is held between a holding section and the exterior member by screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 6668424
    Abstract: A handle assembly and method of assembling a grip handle to a vehicle. The handle assembly includes two base unit and each include a primary and auxiliary projection that are press fit into an opening formed in a structural part of a vehicle. Detents are provided on the projection and configured to be assembled to a vehicle with a minimum force and require a removal force that is substantially greater then the force of insertion. A method of assembling the assist grip handle to a vehicle can be accomplished by inserting molded projections into holes formed in a structural vehicle body panel. The projections include detents that are compressed as the projections are inserted into the holes and are expanded after the projections are fully inserted into the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Allen, Samuel M. Reddypogu, David W. Curtis, Thomas A. Miller, Jeffrey Braybrook, John L. Dugan, Anthony A. Prasatek
  • Patent number: 6669397
    Abstract: A quick disconnect tool apparatus for permitting a user to utilize a single pole member in conjunction with a variety of yard tools. The quick disconnect tool apparatus includes an elongate pole member having a uniquely shaped aperture. Inside the aperture are bearing members surrounded by a sliding sleeve member designed to position the bearing members inwardly and outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Tool members having a tool coupler with a groove are insertable into the aperture and are releasably secured when the bearing members engage the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Woodson Christion
  • Publication number: 20030229966
    Abstract: A height extender for attaching to the handle of a baby stroller is invented. The extender comprises a generally tubular and continuously curved bar, optionally covered with neoprene or some other gripping material, one end of which is removably and threadably fastened to the existing stroller handle by means of an adjustable clip. The clip assembly maintains the height extender roughly perpendicularly to the stroller handle (before the curve in the bar). The extender can be easily and quickly installed almost anywhere on the handle and can thereby be adjusted by the user to accommodate users of different sizes and gripping styles. Usually, two extenders are used—one for each hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Angelia S. Boice
  • Patent number: 6662406
    Abstract: A garden tool includes a work-engaging head joined by a shank to a plastic handle. The handle has a relatively rigid plastic core body. A cavity is formed in the handle to divide it into forward and rearward portions. The cavity is filled with a flexible and resilient material to accommodate flexing of the rearward portion relative to the forward portion. A flexible and resilient gripping sheath covers the outer surface of the core body except for the cavity. In one embodiment the cavity is in the core body and includes a notch. For digging tools, such as trowels, the notch is formed on the lower side of the core body adjacent to the distal end, while for pulling or raking tools, such as plows, the notch is formed on the upper side of the core body adjacent to the working end. A recess may be formed in the core body opposite the notch for cooperation with the notch to define a narrow hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Shonfeld, James J. Best, Daniel J. Formosa, Conor P. McNamara, Marco C. Perry
  • Patent number: 6647990
    Abstract: The present invention is a curling iron handle comprised of a hand grip having a first end and a second end and at least one guard. Guard extends beyond grip thereby constraining hand movement during curling iron usage. Grip and guard are aligned and rotationally disposed along a shaft extending from each curling element comprising the curling iron. In one embodiment, a single guard is aligned with and contacting one end of the grip. In a second embodiment, a guard is aligned with and contacting each end of the grip. In a preferred embodiment, one guard is fixed to the grip thereby providing a single rotatable unit. A contoured region is provided between grip and guard to prevent discomfort when hand contacts guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Shinn
  • Patent number: 6629338
    Abstract: The invention proposes a handle for a screwdriver or a similar tool, which over a significant part of its length has a cross-section in the form of an approximately regular pentagon. The corner or angle sections are rounded with a radius of curvature, whose centre is in the longitudinal axis of the tool handle. The corner sections formed by the curved part of the cross-section have a different width over the handle length. The shape of the flattenings does not follow the shape of the handle contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Adolf Wuerth GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Dierolf, Karl Lieser
  • Patent number: 6629339
    Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a base plate which is initially attached to the face of the refrigerator, such as through the use of screws or the like. The base plate includes tapered surfaces, preferably at longitudinally spaced positions. Once the base plate is secured, a portion of the handle is placed over the base plate and slid relative to the base plate whereupon the tapered surfaces coact with structure on the handle such that an interference fit is developed to draw the handle tight to the face of the door. With the handle in this position, one or more mechanical fasteners are driven into a body portion of the handle from a back side of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, William H. Lotz
  • Patent number: 6625848
    Abstract: Striking implements that have an improved ability to store and quickly release significant energy during flexure and at the same time have significant vibration damping capability to impart a desired “feel” to the user. A shape memory alloy element is inserted at a specific flex point along the length of the sports or utility striking implement to permit a desired degree of flexure, with an enhanced leverage effect, and to absorb undesired vibrational energy. Typical sports or utility striking implements utilizing the invention include, but are not limited to, golf clubs, hockey sticks, polo clubs, tennis rackets, racket ball rackets, baseball bats, pole vaults, rowing oars, picks, axes, hammers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Terry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6609274
    Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a main handle member, upper and lower extensions, and a base member. The main handle member is formed with an elongated upper cleat over which the upper extension snaps, an intermediate gripping portion, and a lower connecting portion including a cantilevered finger beneath which the base member extends. Each of the upper and lower portions of the main handle member is formed with slots which receive projections provided on the upper and lower extensions respectively. Detents provided on the upper and lower extensions are received beneath respective portions of the cleat and the base member in order to snap-fittingly interconnect the upper and lower extensions. The lower extension actually extends around both the terminal end of the main handle member and the base, while the upper extension extends about the elongated cleat. A tab formed on the cleat projects through a cut-out formed in the second extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Christensen, Robert A. Christenson, Graham Carter Stevens
  • Publication number: 20030145433
    Abstract: A plastic terminal end section of a refrigerator handle is secured to an upper in-turned portion of a refrigerator door by forming the end section with a lower channel defined, at least in part, by in-turned, tie-down flanges. The overall mounting assembly also incorporates a metal plate which slips into the channel and receives mechanical fasteners such that the fasteners extend into the terminal end section of the handle, through the metal plate, and into the door. With this arrangement, the metal plate functions to clamp down the tie-down flanges to the door when the fasteners are tightened, thereby securing the terminal end section of the handle to the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Sheldon W. Mandel
  • Patent number: 6598266
    Abstract: A handle and method for use with a manually operated implement including an elongated tubular frame (A) with a holder (B) at one end for receiving a shank portion of the implement against rotation and movement in and out with respect to the holder and for achieving a two-point control by the user through a slidable support (C) opposite the holder and an intermediate upright hand grip (D), a strap (E) carried by a support (C) being provided for encompassing an arm of the user just below the elbow facilitating the application of force upwardly and downwardly as well as in and out through the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Olin S. Elliott
  • Patent number: 6594863
    Abstract: A handle for a hand-held or operated object or appliance comprises a main body (4) of a rigid material and a separate moulding insert (14) which can be fitted on the main body and having a raised pattern or shape (“HO”) including at least one element thereon of closed form, the insert (14) defining therein or defining with the main body a bore or bores (18, 24) which communicate with the interior of the element of closed form, through which a soft plastics material such as an elastomer being overmoulded on the handle can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory Clegg Spooner
  • Patent number: 6584648
    Abstract: A faucet handle includes a hub, handle body and end cap. The handle body includes a first end with external threads and a second end with internal threads and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The end cap includes a shank with a bore configured to receive a driver, such as a hex wrench, and threads to engage the internal threads of the second end. In use, a consumer inserts a driver through the central bore to engage the bore of the end cap and screw the end cap into the second end of the handle body. The handle body is then screwed into the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Indalecio Ortega
  • Patent number: 6584643
    Abstract: Various assist devices that provide support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a vehicle doorframe of the type having a striker mounted thereto are disclosed. The assist devices include a retainer adapted to removably engage the striker and a support member pivotably mounted to the retainer such that the support member will apply a clamping force to the striker when the support member supports at least a portion of a user's weight. Methods of providing support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a vehicle doorframe having a striker mounted thereto are also disclosed. The methods include placing at least a portion of a retainer between the doorframe and the striker, and rotating a support member, that is pivotably attached to the retainer, relative to the retainer until the support member engages the striker to thereby clamp the striker when the user's weight is supported by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore B. Tomaiuolo
  • Patent number: 6581247
    Abstract: A handle of an adhesive-tape cutter includes a recessed groove formed at a preset position of the handle, having insert holes preset in number formed around its circumference. A cover member is provided at a bottom side with a plurality of insert studs for correspondingly inserting in the insert holes of the handle. The cover member has a cover plate provided with at least one engraved groove on its faceplate for words, designs or a trademark to be embedded therein. A resilient covering covers up a preset portion of the handle and filled up the engraved groove. Words, designs or a trademark is embedded and protected in the engraved groove so they will not be worn out, fade in color or fall off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 6574833
    Abstract: An assist device provides a stable support for entering and exiting a vehicle through a door frame having a striker mounted on a side portion of the door frame which is engageable with a latch of a door for securing the door in a closed position. The assist device includes a retainer adapted which removably engages the striker. A support member mounted to the retainer supports at least a portion of a user's weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tomaiuolo
  • Patent number: 6557212
    Abstract: A structure is designed to fasten detachably the handle and the working part of a hand tool. The structure includes a fastening base located at one end of the handle, a fastening end located at one end of the working part, and a fastening device. The fastening end is detachably fastened to the fastening base in conjunction with the fastening device. As the fastening device is turned such that two planar surfaces of the fastening device are aligned with two side walls of an open end of the retaining hole of the fastening end of the working part, the fastening device can be moved out of the retaining hole so as to enable the handle and the working part to separate from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Hsin Huang
  • Publication number: 20030079313
    Abstract: A refrigerator handle assembly includes a base plate which is initially attached to the face of the refrigerator, such as through the use of screws or the like. The base plate includes tapered surfaces, preferably at longitudinally spaced positions. Once the base plate is secured, a portion of the handle is placed over the base plate and slid relative to the base plate whereupon the tapered surfaces coact with structure on the handle such that an interference fit is developed to draw the handle tight to the face of the door. With the handle in this position, one or more mechanical fasteners are driven into a body portion of the handle from a back side of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, William H. Lotz