The invention generally pertains to handles, and more particularly a hardware handle having a material wrapping with no bumps or creases where ends of the material are overlaid.
One of the most common devices utilized for a variety of purposes is a handle. By placing a handle on an object or structure, a person is able to manipulate the object or structure. Two of the most typical applications of a handle are on a door or a cabinet/drawer. In the past, handles were usually viewed as a utilitarian device, so the design and/or appearance was often basic. As times have progressed, and people have taken a greater interest in the overall appearance of, in particular, their homes, there has developed a desire for handles with a more distinct aesthetic appearance. As a result, handles are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and made from a variety of materials.
One relatively recent way of adding embellishment to a handle is to wrap the gripping portion of the handle with a material, such as leather. By wrapping a handle with material, the appearance of the handle can be significantly improved and a person can easily color-coordinate a handle within an environment. Also, a material wrapped handle provides a softer tactile experience when using the handle.
A problem does exist though: when wrapping a material around a handle, the two ends of the material must be overlaid, which results in a pronounced bump or creases which detract from the desired consistent smooth gripping surface. What is needed is a material wrapped handle that is consistency smooth all the way around the gripping portion. A method that would produce this type of wrapping would be very beneficial, and would provide a person with the ability to possess and use a handle that would not have any negative attributes which detract from the appearance and feel of the handle.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,991 patent discloses a secondary covering for the gripped portion of manipulative handles having a primary non-slip covering that is comprised of an elongated strip of terrycloth fabric having at each extremity and two lengths of strong thin tether line attached to each extremity. The covering is adapted to be wound in spiral fashion about the handle, both extremities being secured by the tether lines to the handle, the tether lines of the upper extremity of the winding being secured with plastic adhesive tape.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,769 patent discloses a handle that includes an elongate recessed body portion of a substantially open-faced āUā configuration and an elongate cover portion of a substantially open-faced inverted āUā configuration. Reinforcements are provided within both the body portion and the cover portion with the outer sides formed and profiled so as to allow for substantial open-face to open-face engagement therebetween.
The U.S. Pat. No. 6,167,592 patent discloses a handle with a body which is formed of two shell members such that the body is provided therein with a receiving space, and in the surface of a grip portion thereof with two slits opposite to each other and extending along the grip portion. The grip portion is covered by a covering which has two side edges along the longitudinal axis. The two side edges of the covering are concealed in the receiving space via the slits such that the two side edges form a tubular structure and the two side edges are retained in place by a retaining rod located in the receiving space.
For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.
A hardware handle that is attached to a surface of an object or structure to facilitate manipulation, such as opening or closing, of the object or structure. The hardware handle has a material wrapping around the gripping portion with no bumps or creases on any surrounding surface of the material. In a first embodiment, the hardware handle includes a longitudinal member with an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end and a second end. Attachment means typically comprising an adhesive or a screw are used to secure the hardware handle to an object or structure, such as a door or a cabinet/drawer. A recessed slot is located on the longitudinal member inner surface. When the material is wrapped around the longitudinal member, the two ends of the material are inserted into and captively maintained within the slot. By this method there are no bumps or creases created which would be present if the two ends of the material were overlaid in a conventional manner.
A second embodiment of the hardware handle utilizes the same slot design, but includes the addition of a first securing post and a second securing post. The two securing posts are respectfully located at, and extend perpendicularly from, the longitudinal member first end and second end. The two securing posts interface with and are attached to an object or structure. As with the first embodiment, the second embodiment can be secured on the object or structure by an adhesive, or by screws that correspond to a threaded opening on each securing post.
The hardware handle can be made of a variety of materials including metal, plastic, wood or a composite. The material that is wrapped around the longitudinal member is preferably leather, but any material can be effectively utilized.
In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to produce a hardware handle that includes a slot into which two ends of a material wrapping are inserted and maintained, thereby creating a consistency smooth material surface around the handle, with no bumps or creases on the material.
In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to produce a hardware handle including a slot that:
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a first and second embodiment of a hardware handle. As with other conventional handles, the hardware handle is attached to surface of an object of structure to facilitate manipulation, such as opening or closing, of the object or structure. The inventive concept of the hardware handle 10 is that a section of material is wrapped around the gripping portion of the handle, and the material completely surrounds the gripping portion with a consistency smooth material surface, with no bumps or creases.
The first embodiment of the hardware handle 10, as shown in
Located on the inner surface 18 and extending the substantial length of the longitudinal member 12 is a recessed slot 60, as shown in
In the first embodiment, the hardware handle 10 is attached to an object or structure either by an adhesive applied at each end 18,20, or by use of a corresponding screw that is rotatably inserted through an opening in the object or structure and into the threaded opening 11 on each end 18,20, as shown in
The second embodiment of the hardware handle 10, as shown in
Both embodiments of the hardware handle 10 can be made of a variety of materials including metal, plastic, wood or a composite. Also, the type of material can vary. Preferably leather is used, but other materials including woven, or metallic foils can be utilized. This is one of the greatest benefits of the hardware handle 10. As a result of the recessed slot design, any material can be wrapped around the hardware handle 10 and have a completely smooth material surface, as shown in
To add to the functionality and aesthetic appearance of the hardware handle 10, a decorative end-piece 70 can be utilized. As shown in
Additionally, to add further functionality, a cover 72, as shown in
While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modification may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.