Knob-type Handle Patents (Class 16/441)
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Patent number: 7203998Abstract: A composite knob including an injection molded translucent core having a side wall and a top wall with light pipe window or a light pipe opening formed in these walls. A trim ring is positioned on the core and has an opening therethrough to align with the light pipe window or opening. A cover is mounted on the trim ring and core and includes an opening aligned with the trim ring opening and the light pipe window or opening. A light pipe located in the light pipe window or light pipe opening is visible through the trim ring and cover openings. An opaque plastic light transmitting barrier is formed between the light pipe window or light pipe and the openings in the trim ring and cover. The light transmitting barrier is molded as a part of a gripping overlay applied to the outer surface of the skirt of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 7171727Abstract: A method and apparatus for an appliance control knob incorporating a microprocessor and a status display built into the control knob housing. Such a control knob gives the appliance a clean and uncluttered appearance, and allows a user of the appliance both to control the appliance, for example by adjusting the oven temperature setpoint, and to be informed of the status of the appliance, for example the actual oven temperature, in a way that is easy to understand and to use.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wolf Appliance Company, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Wylie, Mark Straub, Shawn O. Barrett, Curtis L. Cruver, IV, Raymond Bambule, Jim Johncock, Todd Kercher
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Patent number: 7171728Abstract: A knob includes a hub to be fixed in a seat open at the front of an electrical household appliance, a grip, which can slide axially, against the action of an elastic element, on a first end of the hub. Between the grip and the hub there is defined a closed chamber having a variable volume that is a function of the axial position of the grip on the hub. A sliding seal is provided for sealing the closed chamber. A calibrated restriction connects the inside of the chamber with the external environment in such a way as to bring about a negative pressure in the chamber as a result of the axial movement of the grip away from the hub.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.Inventor: Dino Chirumbolo
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Patent number: 7162773Abstract: The present invention provides a control knob assembly for a register that is used in a blower of an HVAC system of an automobile. The assembly includes a knob portion having an open side for receiving a vane of the register in snap fit engagement. The vane of the register includes a notched portion disposed on a rear edge thereof. A compressively resilient pad is disposed in the notched portion and extends outwardly beyond the rear edge to contact an inner surface of the knob portion and provide a snug fit between the vane and the knob portion. During manipulation of the vane by the user, the compressively resilient pad does not compress resulting in a consistently stable and robust feeling experienced by the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.Inventors: Andi J. Song, Daniel Lim
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Patent number: 7111365Abstract: A multi-piece knob having a cylindrical tubular plastic body with a central hub and a peripheral wall. An annular end wall extends from the peripheral wall and terminates radially short of the central hub to define a passage into the tubular body and around the hub. An undersurface is formed on the annular end wall at the annular passage. An annular ring is seated on the annular end wall of the cylindrical tubular body between the passage and the peripheral wall. A locking top cap is formed having a head with an underside. A number of discrete elongated fingers are formed integrally with the underside of the head of the locking top cap with the elongated fingers spaced from each other and arranged generally in a circle. The elongated fingers extend from the underside of the top cap with each of the fingers terminating in a tip.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 7089630Abstract: A knob assembly for use with cooking utensils, which includes a hand graspable metallic knob, a metallic bezel for the knob, a first heat insulating separator between the knob and the bezel and a second heat separator between the bezel and the cooking utensil to which the knob assembly is to be attached. The double heat insulators prevent the conduction, as well as radiation of heat, from the hot surface of the cooking utensil to the bezel and from the bezel to the metallic knob. When the assembly is tightened together, only the metallic knob and the bezel are visible and accessible, allowing for easier cleaning of the knob and for maintaining improved hygienic conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Cuisine-Cookware Inc.Inventor: Andrew Y Whang
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Patent number: 7036188Abstract: A composite knob including an injection molded translucent core having a side wall and a top wall with light pipe window or a light pipe opening formed in these walls. A trim ring is positioned on the core and has an opening therethrough to align with the light pipe window or opening. A cover is mounted on the trim ring and core and includes an opening aligned with the trim ring opening and the light pipe window or opening. A light pipe located in the light pipe window or light pipe opening is visible through the trim ring and cover openings. An opaque plastic light transmitting barrier is formed between the light pipe window or light pipe and the openings in the trim ring and cover. The light transmitting barrier is molded as a part of a gripping overlay applied to the outer surface of the skirt of the knob.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6971143Abstract: A roller pump including a stator and a rotor assembly disposed within the stator. The rotor assembly includes a rotor hub, a first roller slide and a second roller slide slidingly disposed within the rotor hub. Each of the roller slides rotatably supports a roller. An occlusion adjustment knob for adjusting a radial position of the first and second roller slides and a magnetic detent assembly for providing an audible indicator as the occlusion adjustment knob is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems CorporationInventor: Michael K. Domroese
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Patent number: 6886585Abstract: A tool having a hand gripping region for rotational attachment to an irrigation system with the tool having soft bumps thereon spaced from each other and affixed to the hand gripping region to cushion the user's hand as an irrigation component is field attached to an irrigation system.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: The Patent Store LLCInventors: L. Herbert King Jr., Glenn Hoffman
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Patent number: 6854920Abstract: A two piece hub and handle assembly comprises a handle having a plurality of flexible fingers and a hub having a bearing surface for engaging the flexible fingers. A lug formed on each flexible finger engages the bearing surface of the hub to limit axial movement of the handle relative to the hub. The handle includes a grip portion and a tubular portion depending from the grip portion, and the tubular portion includes the plurality of flexible fingers. The tubular portion further includes a plurality of splines for engaging a valve. The hub includes a central aperture with internal threads for engaging an end body, with the valve being disposed in the end body.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Oscar Romero
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Patent number: 6842946Abstract: A cabinet knob construction which allows decorative aspects of the knob to be readily altered to vary the appearance of the hardware. A knob body mounted to the cabinet includes an axial bore which receives a magnetic disk and an insert sleeve. The sleeve has a non-circular interior configuration for receiving a metal stud affixed to a fascia member. The fascia member alters the front face of the knob body and the stud is maintained within the bore by the magnet. Removal of the fascia member allows replacement with a different member to alter the appearance of the hardware.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.Inventor: Scott Hayden
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Patent number: 6826805Abstract: A collapsible control knob assembly includes a knob having a tunnel therein for receiving a shaft. Stops in the tunnel are configured and arranged to cooperatively stop the insertion of the shaft during assembly. The stops are configured and arranged to shear from the tunnel when a pre-established collapsing force is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Joseph L. Rodawold, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040226142Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic equipment has an operation tool with crashing function. An operation tool 3 is supported on an encoder 5 serving as a support member. In the operation tool 3, an outer knob 9 serving as an operation portion is to be operated by an operator. A mounting cylindrical portion 19 serving as a mounting portion is formed such that it has a clearance S with respect to the outer knob 9 in the impact acting operation. And, a crashable connecting portion 21 connects together the operation portion and mounting portion and can be crashed due to an impact given to the operation portion to thereby allow the operation portion to move with respect to the mounting portion. The crashable connecting portion 21 extends radially from the mounting cylindrical portion 19 and is connected to the outer knob 9 and includes plural bridge portions formed radially.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro Suzuki
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Publication number: 20040107545Abstract: A polymeric knob is made by a method wherein a unitary part, which comprises a hub, a bar extending across one end of the hub, and an indicator extending from one end of the bar, is molded and wherein a shell is molded over the unitary part, so as to cover portions of the bar, so as to surround portions of the hub, at the same end of the hub, and so as to allow portions of the indicator to remain exposed. One of the unitary part and the cover is molded with a recess or recesses and the other of the unitary part and the cover is molded with a boss or bosses fitting into the recess or recesses so as to interlock the unitary part and the body. A grip may be then molded over portions of the knob so as to allow the same portions of the indicator to remain exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: K I Industries, Inc.Inventor: James L. Worrell
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Patent number: 6745602Abstract: The present mechanism provides a quick install lockset mechanism having a semi-permanent mechanical connection between an interior lock assembly and an exterior lock assembly. The exterior lock assembly includes a pair of threaded fasteners extending through a preformed hole in a door, and the interior lock assembly includes a rose liner configured to rotatably engage the fasteners to connect the interior and exterior lock assemblies. The interior lock assembly rose liner includes a pair of raised contoured portions having openings for receiving the fasteners and ramps for guiding the fasteners to the openings. In addition, the interior lock assembly includes a knob insert and a turnpiece guide. The knob insert is disposed in the knob and the turnpiece guide is removably disposed in the knob insert. A turnpiece is disposed in the turnpiece guide and is thereby aligned with an operating member extending from a lock cylinder in the exterior lock assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventors: Frank Nakasone, Steven Armstrong
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Publication number: 20040055116Abstract: A slip proof sleeve includes a first edge with an undulated pattern, and at least an annular groove defined in an inner face of the slip proof sleeve. With the at least one annular groove, the slip proof sleeve is able to fit to and completely engage with an outer contour of a door knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Li-Chu Chien
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Patent number: 6709188Abstract: A fitting member is provided with a base having a flat portion, a stopper protruding forward from the base, and a through hole provided in a flat portion, wherein a knob has a plurality of projections positioned on the same circle. In fitting the knob to the fitting member, when the knob is rotated while being pressed backward in a state in which the projections are kept in contact with the flat portion, the projections slice on and in friction with a flat face, and when the projections hit against the stopper and the rotation of the knob is stopped, the projections and the through hole become opposite each other. After the projections are fitted into the through hole, the knob and the fitting member are enabled to be coupled to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Ushimaru
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Patent number: 6696769Abstract: A mode switch assembly of an automobile having an impact/load absorbing apparatus includes a housing disposed in a center facia panel in an automobile, a circuit board installed in the housing, on which a switch having a shaft is installed, a support portion for supporting the circuit board a distance from the housing, a knob on the shaft and protruding from the center facia panel, and an impact/load absorbing unit so the knob and the shaft retract with respect to the center facia panel, breaking at least one side of the circuit board or the housing, when an impact/load is applied to the shaft through the knob.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Halla Climate Control CorporationInventors: Jeong-yeop Lee, Tae-soo Chun, Seung-hyung Yun
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Patent number: 6640390Abstract: A valve knob is provided with a first confinement slot and a second confinement slot symmetrical to the first confinement slot. Both confinement slots have a first stop wall and a second stop wall to facilitate the confining of the valve knob at ON position and OFF position in conjunction with an arresting block of the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Hung-Lin Lai
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Patent number: 6615453Abstract: A push button assembly (30) includes a spring member (32) and a button (34). The spring member is secured to a computer bezel (10), and includes a rod (36), a pair of U-shaped crooks (38, 40), and a deformable arm (42) extending from one of the U-shaped crooks. The deformable arm includes a free end portion (48). The button is movably received in an aperture (16) of the bezel. The button defines a through hole (58) for movably receiving the free end portion of the spring member. Thus the button can move freely in the aperture of the bezel.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Wan Cheng Lin
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Publication number: 20030163903Abstract: A collapsible control knob assembly includes a knob having a tunnel therein for receiving a shaft. Stops in the tunnel are configured and arranged to cooperatively stop the insertion of the shaft during assembly. The stops are configured and arranged to shear from the tunnel when a pre-established collapsing force is exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventor: Joseph L. Rodawold
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Patent number: 6591457Abstract: A multi-component button and a method of making it. The button includes a plastic core having a top surface with a projection in the shape of an icon upstanding on the top surface. A thin piece of metal is seated on the top surface of the core and receives the icon. A plastic shell engages the outer edges of the thin piece of metal and forms side and end walls around the core. The method includes forming the core, positioning the metal piece on the top of the core and molding a plastic shell around the outer edges of the metal sheet and the side and end walls of the core.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6584649Abstract: A faucet coupling device for securing a faucet handle to any faucet shaft. The faucet coupling device includes a block member. The block member has a front surface, a back surface, a bottom surface, a top surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The back surface has a bore extending therein. The front surface has an aperture extending therein and into the bore. The bore has a diameter greater than a diameter of the faucet shaft. The top surface has a first hole therein. The first hole extends into the bore and is orientated generally perpendicular to the bottom surface. At least one fastening means extends through the hole and removably fastens the block member to the faucet shaft. A handle member comprises a plate having a bottom side and a top side. The bottom side has a well extending therein. The well has a diameter adapted for extendably positioning the top surface of the block member therein. The plate has an opening therein extending through the top side and into the well.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Karl V. Lichtenberg
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Patent number: 6571427Abstract: A handle construction (10) for a gear shift lever (100) wherein the handle construction (10) is fabricated as a one piece contoured handle member (20) having a generally ovoidal configuration with certain portions missing from the top surface, the front surface, and the left side of the generally ovoidal configuration; wherein, those missing portions define a plurality of elongated arcuate recesses (21) through (24) that are dimensioned to receive a user's fingers, a first extension recess (30) that is dimensioned to receive a user's thumb and a second extension recess (32) to form a raised lip (37) that forms an abutment surface for the heel of a user's palm.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Donald Lee Agate, Sr., Diane Marie Agate
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Patent number: 6568036Abstract: A method of making a composite plastic knob including the steps of forming a plastic core having a front wall of a generally uniform thickness with an integral discernible window portion formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall and with the window having a thickness less than the generally uniform thickness of the front wall; positioning an anvil in the core in supporting engagement with the window portion of the fin and injection molding an outer covering of an opaque plastic of a contrasting color over the front wall of the core except for the window portion of the fin thereof. The knob includes a plastic core having a front wall of generally uniform thickness and an integral portion of a window formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall. The window is thinner than the front wall of the core.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6533336Abstract: A trim attachment and method comprises a door lever/knob which is assembled to a spindle housing of a lock assembly by sliding the door lever/knob over the spindle. A retaining mechanism within the door lever/knob automatically engages the spindle to couple the door lever/knob to the spindle when the door lever/knob is properly positioned on the spindle. The spindle and door lever/knob have mating exterior and interior ribs providing torque transfer between the spindle and door lever/knob. An aperture is provided in the door lever/knob to depress a portion of the retaining mechanism to release the retaining mechanism, allowing the door lever/knob to be removed. The improved knob/lever trim attachment and methods provide an easily assembled and manufactured, aesthetically pleasing, and easily replaceable assembly for a door lock assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventors: Vincent Michael Kemp, Domitillia L. Skeels (nee Mora), Ronald G. Stone
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Patent number: 6532629Abstract: A quick install dummy doorknob or lever comprises an exterior knob sub-assembly, an interior rose liner coupled to the exterior knob assembly, a knob catch, a retainer spring, and an interior knob. The knob catch is disposed inside the interior rose liner and includes a tooth for engaging the interior knob. The interior rose liner engages a pair of screws extending from the exterior knob sub-assembly. Rotation of the interior rose liner relative to the screws places the screws into retaining apertures in the interior liner, whereupon the screws can be tightened to hold the interior rose liner in position. The interior knob is inserted into a recess formed in the interior rose liner and engages the tooth on the knob catch through a slot formed in the recess.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Newfrey LLCInventor: Steven Armstrong
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Patent number: 6513200Abstract: An operating knob (1) includes an upper knob portion (11), a lower knob portion (12), and a neck portion (13) connecting the upper knob portion with the lower knob portion. The upper knob portion is hexagonal in shape and defines a first recess (111) in each of six side edges (112) thereof. The lower knob portion defines a plurality of second recesses (122) in a side edge (124) thereof. A screw hole (14) is axially defined through the lower knob portion into the upper knob portion. The number of second recesses is greater than the number of first recesses. When turning the knob, two to four fingers (21, 22) of the user rotate the upper knob portion in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a thumb (23) of the user pushes the side edge of the lower knob portion in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Hon Hai Precision In D. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guo Liang Yang
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Patent number: 6499191Abstract: A composite knob having a plastic core with a front wall. A narrow passage or slit extends through the front wall of the core. A thin, elongated planar light pipe formed of a first piece of a clear light transmitting plastic and a second piece of a colored light transmitting plastic overlay attached to the light emitting edge or face of the first piece of clear light transmitting plastic. The colored plastic overlay is secured to the first piece of clear light transmitting plastic by pairs of notches and hooks which interlock during the molding of the overlay to the clear portion. The light pipe is positioned in the plastic core with the colored overlay located in the narrow passage and visible through the core from the exterior of the knob. In another embodiment, a window is formed in the front wall of a translucent plastic core. The light pipe is positioned in the translucent plastic core so as to transmit light through the window of said translucent plastic core.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6473940Abstract: A knob for a medical post valve, the post valve having a threaded bonnet with a diameter, and a valve stem, the valve stem having an external end shaped, generally, as a cylinder with two opposing flat sides, the knob comprising a hub having an elongated body with a diameter that is generally the same size as the bonnet diameter, the body having a first end, a second end, and an axial cavity, the first end having a medial slot extending in across the first end in a direction perpendicular to the cavity, an elongated handle, the handle sized to fit within the cavity, the handle movable between a first position and a second position, the handle first position being disposed within such cavity with the axis of the handle generally aligned with the axis of the body, and the handle second position being disposed within the slot with the axis of the handle extending perpendicular to the axis of the body.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Harsco Technologies CorporationInventor: Devin Glenn Cooper
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Patent number: 6467131Abstract: A molded knob of the type having a knob with a socket located in the knob which socket slips over the end of an irregularly shaped shaft and has fingers which frictionally engage the outer surface of the shaft. The hub has an inner portion surrounded by and separated from the outer portion by a slot with the shaft gripping fingers formed on the inner portion. Complementary meshing ribs and notches are formed in the peripheral walls of the inner and outer core and these ribs and notches engage each other upon rotation of the inner hub portion relative to the outer hub portion to transfer torque forces therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6463630Abstract: A composite knob having a pullout and torque resistant insert with a shaft receiving threaded socket. One embodiment of the composite knob includes a disc shaped plastic body having a central hub. A plastic insert is embedded in the central hub. A threaded socket is formed in the plastic insert. A number of radially extending ribs are formed integrally with and extend radially from the plastic insert. These ribs are triangular shaped with inclined forwardly and rearwardly facing surfaces which are embedded in the hub of the disc shaped plastic body. A decorative cover may be positioned over the front face of the disc shaped body and secured to the body with a soft flexible plastic outer covering. In another embodiment, the plastic body includes a blade shaped handle with an insert that fits within the handle. The insert is formed with laterally extending portions which are entrapped by flanges formed integrally with the plastic body.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6457208Abstract: A device and method for engaging a rounded knob so that the knob can be turned in a more rapid and ergonomically efficient manner. The claimed invention includes an auxiliary handle device. The auxiliary handle device includes a hub and a handle that extends radially away from the hub. The hub is configured to pass over the exterior of the rounded knob. Once the hub envelopes the rounded knob, the handle is rotated. As the handle is rotated, an interference fit is created between the interior of the hub and the knob. The interference fit transfers the rotational energy from the handle to the rounded knob, thereby rotating the rounded knob.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: William Keith
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Patent number: 6453512Abstract: Control button having a metal body (10) provided along its axis with a blind hole (16) closed by a cap (18) and extended by a wall (14) of revolution. The body (10) includes a groove (20) made in the outer surface of the wall (14) and channels (26) connecting said surface to the inside of the blind hole (16). The button further includes a fitting (12) made of synthetic material, formed of a ring (28) closing the groove and extended radially by raised portions (34) as far as the openings of the channels (26) in the wall (14) of a radial structure with several branches (30) closing the channels (26), and a core (32) connecting the branches (30) to secure between them the different parts (28, 30, 32, 34) of the fitting (12).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Eta SA Fabriques d′EbauchesInventors: Laurent Kaelin, Paolo Pesenti
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Patent number: 6434793Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a handle. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a part (20) intended to be arranged at the end of a handle, referred to below as a holding part, that the holding part (20) comprises a part (22) intended to be gripped on use, referred to below as the gripping pant, that said holding part is provided with organs (10, 20) capable of allowing turning of the gripping part (22) around an axis of rotation (V) in relation to the handle when device is affixed to the handle end, the axis of rotation (V) coinciding in the main with the longitudinal direction (L) of the handle, and that the gripping part is provided with organs (34, 36) capable of increasing the friction between the holding pant and the hand or a surface which the handle end is placed against.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Lars Johnny Ensson
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Patent number: 6421881Abstract: A gear shift assembly including a knob with a body has a shaft that is adapted for receiving the gearshift knob. A fastener is mounted within the body of the gearshift knob for removably securing the gearshift knob to the shaft. The fastener further includes a resilient inner flange for interacting with the gear shift shaft to removably secure said gear shift knob to said gear shift shaft to prevent the gear shift knob from sliding off of the shaft or from rotating about the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventor: William D. Shovlin
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Patent number: 6406071Abstract: A latch mechanism having a flexible catch attached to a base with a centering disk for cooperative self-alignment with the door through which the latch mechanism is to be inserted and a shaft having a plurality of retention disks at spaced apart locations on the shaft is preferably molded into a single piece construction for cooperative combination with a handle (or knob) which is preferably molded in two sections and connected by a flexible hinge such that each section is a mirror image of the other. Each handle section has arrayed along its centerline a series of receivers for the plurality of disks on the latch shaft such that the disks are captured and retained in the receivers when the two sections of the handle are folded over onto one another and snap locked in place by cooperating projections and receivers positioned in opposing positions on each section of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Elastolatch, Inc.Inventors: James A. LaViola, Salvatore P. J. Vito
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Publication number: 20020059696Abstract: The present invention provides a quick install lockset mechanism having a semipermanent mechanical connection between an interior lock assembly and an exterior lock assembly. The exterior lock assembly includes a pair of threaded fasteners extending through a preformed hole in a door, and the interior lock assembly includes a rose liner configured to rotatably engage the fasteners to connect the interior and exterior lock assemblies. The interior lock assembly rose liner includes a pair of raised contoured portions having openings for receiving the fasteners and ramps for guiding the fasteners to the openings. In addition, the interior lock assembly includes a knob insert and a turnpiece guide. The knob insert is disposed in the knob and the turnpiece guide is removably disposed in the knob insert. A turnpiece is disposed in the turnpiece guide and is thereby aligned with an operating member extending from a lock cylinder in the exterior lock assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventors: Frank Nakasone, Steven Armstrong
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Publication number: 20020059695Abstract: An operating knob (1) includes an upper knob portion (11), a lower knob portion (12), and a neck portion (13) connecting the upper knob portion with the lower knob portion. The upper knob portion is hexagonal in shape and defines a first recess (111) in each of six side edges (112) thereof. The lower knob portion defines a plurality of second recesses (122) in a side edge (124) thereof. A screw hole (14) is axially defined through the lower knob portion into the upper knob portion. The number of second recesses is greater than the number of first recesses. When turning the knob, two to four fingers (21, 22) of the user rotate the upper knob portion in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction and a thumb (23) of the user pushes the side edge of the lower knob portion in the clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventor: Guo Liang Yang
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Patent number: 6363579Abstract: A hand attachable drainage valve having diagonally opposite ears with inwardly curved finger grasping areas between the ears to permit user with either larger or small hands to find a gripping postion that is comfortable for the user's fingers to grasp and guide the drainage valve into threaded engagement with the irrigation pipe and rotatingly secure the drainage valve to an irrigation pipe through hand pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: King Technology of Mo. IncInventor: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.
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Patent number: 6343885Abstract: A hand-held implement such as a writing instrument has a body of compressible material having a smoothly rounded, bulbous upper end portion and a lower end portion having an end face with an opening. The lower end portion is inwardly tapered along at least part of its length from the upper end portion towards the end face. A tool such as a pen or pencil is mounted in the body and has a working end projecting from the end face of the lower end portion. A user gripping the body with the base of the index finger engaging an end area of the upper end portion of the body can apply pressure for operating the tool using the palm of the hand at the base of the index finger.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Inventor: David G. Heyne
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Patent number: 6263544Abstract: A knob mounted on one end of a stick included in a stick switch and selectively sinkable in the axial direction of the stick or tiltable in any one of preselected directions. The knob further includes a concave surface formed on an end opposite to an end to be mounted to the stick. At least one projection protrudes from the concave surface. The knob is easy to operate and promotes the small size, miniature configuration of a mobile terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Kudoh
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Patent number: 6244130Abstract: A gripping device equipped with a replaceable head portion which can have various artistic forms for choice according to individual preference, for use on a gear shift lever of automobiles. The gripping device made up of a head portion and a supporting case that are separably bound together by a bolt with ease is mounted to the top of a gear shift lever by a screw. The supporting case has a opened top and an axial open-ended hollow column at the center, in alignment with an engagement protrusion defined on the bottom side of the head portion of the gripping device, permitting the supporting case to be engaged with each other in assembly. There are continual axial contour grooves defined on the external surface of the supporting case in consideration of hand fitness of a driver so that the gear shift lever can be firmly and comfortably held without slip in gear shifting operation. In addition, the top of the head portion can be designed in various artistic forms to conform to individual preference.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shun-Tian Shung
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Patent number: 6242064Abstract: A composite article including a tubular body having a front end, a rear end, a peripheral wall extending between the front and rear ends, a wall support located rearwardly of the front end of the peripheral wall and at least one paragraph formed in the wall engaging support. An end cap is positioned on the front end of the tubular body to obstruct the wall engaging support except for at least a portion of at least one of the passages and to define a channel between the end cover and the peripheral wall. A plastic coating fills at least one passage in the channel and overlaps the cover to fasten the cover to the tubular body.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
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Patent number: 6219884Abstract: The present invention 14 discloses a method and apparatus for attaching a decorative flush handle 10 to a conventional toilet 12. Shown is a threaded shaft 16 having a first rotatable member 18 mounted thereon having a pair of oppositely opposing, hingedly mounted arms 30 spring tensioned away from each for mounting in the inner cavity 40 of the decorative item 10. A second rotatable disc 36 is threadably attached to shaft 16 and adjustable positioned on shaft 16 to fixedly secure the wall 25 of the decorative item between disc 36 and arms 30. Arms 30 have external threads 32 thereon so that the arms 30 and shaft 16 can function somewhat like a conventional screw for placement in decorative items.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Renwick N Adriano
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Patent number: 6195830Abstract: The invention involves a multi-colored paintbrush handle having an axis (8), a first and a second extremity crossed by the axis (8), and an external grip surface (9) placed between said extremities, the handle including: a core (13) parallel to the axis (8), at least one colored raised part (14) emerging from the core (13) and externally defining at least one shaped section of the grip surface (9), and at least a first layer (16) of colored plastic material molded onto the core (13), the first layer (16) externally defining a main section (11) of the grip surface (9) and having a different color than that of the raised part (14).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: John Palmer Corp.Inventor: Mario Bruschi
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Patent number: 6198055Abstract: A manually movable switch selector (14) includes a rotary knob (16) and a thumb wheel (18). The rotary knob (16) is configured for rotation about a first axis (19). The thumb wheel (18) is supported on the rotary knob (16) for rotation relative to the rotary knob (16) about a second axis (29) perpendicular to the first axis (19).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: Timothy E. Hughes
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Patent number: 6195840Abstract: A hub assembly for a faucet handle having an interconnectable top member and skirt member. The top member having a bottom portion of reduced diameter with an external recess formed therein a short distance up from its bottom. The skirt member having an upper opening sized to receive the bottom portion of the top member. Resilient members being formed in the skirt member to extend downwardly and into the upper opening. The resilient members being engageable in the recess of the bottom portion releasably to connect the top member and the skirt.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Emhart Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Pilatowicz, Remigio M. Chica, Charles M. Hamill
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Patent number: 6193096Abstract: A lid with a holding knob and coupling elements designed to secure the holding knob to the lid. The coupling elements comprise at least one lug and a notch having an entry portion for the lug to pass through the notch, as well as a retaining portion for retaining the lug in the slot. The lug is mobile between the entry portion and the retaining portion, when the knob and lid are moved relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: SEB SAInventor: Philippe Raoult
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Patent number: RE37687Abstract: A method of making a composite plastic knob including the steps of forming a plastic core having a front wall of a generally uniform thickness with an integral discernible window portion formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall and with the window having a thickness less than the generally uniform thickness of the front wall; positioning an anvil in the core in supporting engagement with the window portion of the fin and injection molding an outer covering of an opaque plastic of a contrasting color over the front wall of the core except for the window portion of the fin thereof. The knob includes a plastic core having a front wall of generally uniform thickness and an integral portion of a window formed in a fin projecting outwardly of the front wall. The window is thinner than the front wall of the core.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: The Grigoleit CompanyInventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.