U.S. patent application number 11/094203 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for ergonomic grab bar assembly for bathtubs.
Invention is credited to Moser, Scott A..
Application Number | 20050217017 11/094203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35052582 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050217017 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moser, Scott A. |
October 6, 2005 |
Ergonomic grab bar assembly for bathtubs
Abstract
A grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub includes a
substantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges.
The grab bar assembly also includes a coupling assembly extending
downward from the base for attachment to an upstanding wall of the
bathtub and an armrest connected to and extending laterally from
the base. The armrest is positioned above and running along the
bathtub wall. Finally, the grab bar assembly includes a handgrip
extending upwardly from the base. The handgrip includes at least
one support arm and a substantially triangular shaped handle having
a forward surface, rearward surface and a bottom surface. The
handle extends from the at least one support arm along the bottom
surface.
Inventors: |
Moser, Scott A.; (La Jolla,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELSH & FLAXMAN LLC
2000 DUKE STREET, SUITE 100
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
35052582 |
Appl. No.: |
11/094203 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60558126 |
Apr 1, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/577.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/577.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 003/024; A47K
003/022 |
Claims
1. A grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub, comprising: a
substantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges; a
coupling assembly extending downward from the base for attachment
to an upstanding wall of the bathtub; an armrest connected to and
extending laterally from the base, the armrest being positioned
above and running along the bathtub wall; and a handgrip extending
upwardly from the base.
2. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grab bar
assembly is made entirely from polymers.
3. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base
includes a forward edge and a rearward edge, and both the forward
edge and the rearward edge include coupling members for selective
attachment of the armrest.
4. The grab bar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the forward
and rearward edges include recesses shaped to receive complementary
projections extending from the armrest.
5. The grab bar assembly according to claim 4, wherein each recess
includes a connection pin downwardly extending substantially
perpendicular to the direction in which the corresponding
complementary projection is inserted within each recess.
6. The grab bar assembly according to claim 5, wherein each
connection pin is angled in a direction toward the recess opening
to facilitate insertion of each corresponding complementary
projection.
7. The grab bar assembly according to claim 3, wherein the armrest
includes a first end having a series of projections shaped and
dimensioned for attachment to the coupling members.
8. The grab bar assembly according to claim 7, wherein the armrest
includes a rounded second end.
9. The grab bar assembly according to claim 8, wherein the armrest
includes an upper concave surface shaped and dimensioned for
supporting an arm of an individual.
10. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
handgrip includes a first support arm, a second support arm, and a
substantially triangular shaped handle extending from the first and
second support arms.
11. The grab bar assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
coupling assembly includes: a first downwardly extending panel; and
a second downwardly extending panel including a slide member shaped
and positioned within a recess formed in the base for movement
therein.
12. The grab bar assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first
downwardly extending panel, the handgrip and the base are
integrally formed.
13. The grab bar assembly according to claim 11, wherein the first
downwardly extending panel is coupled to the second downwardly
extending panel via a plastic screw mechanism including: an
enlarged, contoured gripping member in the form of a handwheel; and
a threaded screw pin extending through an aperture in the
downwardly extending panel to engage the second downwardly
extending panel.
14. The grab bar assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
distance between thread coils on the threaded screw pin is greater
than or equal to 18 threads per inch.
15. A grab bat assembly for use with a bathtub, comprising: a
substantially planar base having a top, bottom and lateral edges; a
coupling assembly extending downwardly from the base for attachment
to an upstanding wall of the bathtub; a handgrip extending upwardly
from the base, wherein the handgrip includes: at least one support
arm; and a substantially triangular shaped handle having a forward
surface, rearward surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the
handle extends from the at least one support arm along the bottom
surface.
16. The grab bar assembly according to claim 15, further comprising
an armrest connected to and extending laterally from the base.
17. The grab bar assembly according to claim 15, wherein the
forward surface and rearward surface are each connected to the
bottom surface at angles measuring approximately 50 degrees.
18. The grab bar assembly according to claim 15, wherein the grab
bar assembly is made entirely from injection molded plastics.
19. The grab bar assembly according to claim 18, wherein the at
least one support arm, the forward surface and the rearward surface
are hollow.
20. The grab bar assembly according to claim 15, wherein the handle
includes bubbled and textured gripping surfaces.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 60/558,126, entitled "GRAB BAR ASSEMBLY FOR BATHTUBS",
filed Apr. 1, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a grab bar assembly for use in
supporting individuals. More particularly, the invention relates to
an ergonomic grab bar assembly adapted for selective attachment to
various support structures (for example, the upstanding wall of a
bathtub), wherein the grab bar includes an armrest extending from
the handgrip.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] There are many instances in which individuals find
themselves in need of support structures around the house. For
instance, it is well understood that elderly and otherwise weakened
individuals may find it particularly difficult to move around a
bathtub. The slick environment created by smooth surfaces such as
porcelain and water can even be a hazard for those of perfect
health.
[0006] To combat the problems and challenges posed by the bathroom
and similar environments, numerous support structures have been
developed. These structures provide gripping surfaces upon which
one may apply weight to move safely around the environment and to
gain balance.
[0007] An early example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,361 to Smith
which discloses one such support structure in the form of a grab
bar. The grab bar provides hand support for a person stepping over
a wall, such as the sidewall of a bathtub. The grab bar is U-shaped
and is supported transversely of the tub wall with the top of the
"U" situated as a high disposed handgrip. The support structure
includes elements that may be welded or otherwise secured.
[0008] A further example of a grab bar can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,887,323 to DiVito et al. A bathtub handrail is provided
having a molded plastic body with a handgrip portion and a bottom
portion. The bottom portion includes a longitudinal slot through
which a press plate is connected to a locking handle forming a
clamp arm assembly for attachment to a bathtub. The clamp arm
assembly includes numerous components including those made out of
steel.
[0009] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,230 to Chang discloses a tub
grab bar structure including a U-shaped grab bar. The grab bar may
be rotated to change its angle and direction with respect to a
clamping base. The tub grab bar can, therefore, be mounted in a
position of the user's choice.
[0010] The previous uses of grab bar structures suffer from several
disadvantages. First, the grab bars of the prior art include
rustable parts. As grab bars are primarily used in close proximity
to water, this is highly undesirable due to the rust promoting
properties carried by water. Second, grab bar structures have been
limited to curved, or U-shaped, bar structures as a gripping
surface. Grab bar structures of this form are dangerous as a hand
may slide easily down along the curved surface, particularly when
wet. Thus, the security these devices are meant to provide is
greatly diminished.
[0011] While devices providing a grab bar surface are highly
desirable, the prior art designs do not provide further support
structures in and around the bathtub to assist with the numerous
actions conducted in association with a grab bar. More
particularly, when using a grab bar a person must brace against the
tub itself to get the leverage necessary to rise from the bathtub.
This is precarious in that one could slip while bracing on the
smooth surface of the bathtub. An armrest or other structure would
be highly desirable to provide better leverage.
[0012] A need, therefore, exists for a grab bar assembly that is
not susceptible to deterioration when used in association with an
aquatic environment, that provides a slip resistant gripping
surface, and implements additional support features beyond a grab
bar for versatile use. The present invention provides such a grab
bar assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub. The grab bar
assembly includes a substantially planar base having a top, bottom
and lateral edges. The grab bar assembly also includes a coupling
assembly extending downward from the base for attachment to an
upstanding wall of the bathtub and an armrest connected to and
extending laterally from the base. The armrest is positioned above
and running along the bathtub wall. Finally, the grab bar assembly
includes a handgrip extending upwardly from the base.
[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
grab bar assembly for use with a bathtub. The grab bar assembly
includes a substantially planar base having a top, bottom and
lateral edges. The grab bar assembly also includes a coupling
assembly extending downwardly from the base for attachment to an
upstanding wall of the bathtub and a handgrip extending upwardly
from the base. The handgrip includes at least one support arm and a
substantially triangular shaped handle having a forward surface,
rearward surface and a bottom surface. The handle extends from the
at least one support arm along the bottom surface.
[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grab bar assembly in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the opposite side shown in
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the gripping member of the
handwheel assembly.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handwheel assembly.
[0020] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d respectively show a side view along
the long edge of the pressure pad, a front view of the pressure
pad, a perspective view of the back side of the pressure pad and a
side view along the short edge of the pressure pad.
[0021] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d respectively show a perspective view
of the base structure recess, a bottom view of the base structure
recess, a side view of the base structure recess and a cross
sectional view (along the line B-B of the FIG. 6c) of the base
structure recess.
[0022] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c respectively disclose a top view of the
armrest projection, a cross sectional view of the armrest
projection (along the line A-A of FIG. 7a) and a perspective view
of the armrest projection.
[0023] FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d respectively disclose a bottom view
of the second downwardly extending arm, an end view of the second
downwardly extending arm, a side view of the second downwardly
extending arm and a perspective view of the second downwardly
extending arm.
[0024] FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c disclose the sequential steps in
securing the armrest to the base structure.
[0025] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d respectively disclose a top view
of the armrest, a side view of the armrest, a bottom view of the
armrest and a perspective view of the armrest.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] The detailed embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the
basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use
the invention.
[0027] With reference to the various figures, an ergonomic grab bar
assembly 10 in accordance with the present invention is disclosed.
The grab bar assembly 10 is adapted for selective attachment to the
upstanding wall of a bathtub. In particular, the grab bar assembly
10 includes a coupling mechanism, which is discussed below in
greater detail, that permits the selective attachment of the grab
bar assembly 10 to a variety of bathtub wall structures in a secure
and reliable manner. Although the present grab bar assembly 10 is
disclosed for use with bathtubs in accordance with a preferred
embodiment, it is contemplated the grab bar assembly 10 may be used
in a wide variety of environments without departing from the spirit
of the present invention.
[0028] The grab bar assembly 10 includes a coupling/clamping
assembly 12, an armrest 14 and a handgrip 16, all of which extend
from a substantially planar base structure 18. All components are
preferably formed from rust-resistant materials such as non-metals.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
all components are formed from polymers. In yet another preferred
embodiment, all components are formed from injection molded
plastic.
[0029] The base structure 18 includes forward and rearward edges
20, 22. Both the forward and rearward edges 20, 22 include coupling
members for selective attachment of the armrest 14 thereto. As
such, the armrest 14 may be selectively attached to either lateral
side of the base structure 18 for accommodating attachment of the
grab bar assembly 10 to the upstanding wall of the bathtub
regardless of the orientation of the bathtub. The thickness (t) of
the armrest 14 is such that an arm placed on the armrest 14 may
rest comfortably while grasping the handgrip 16 at its base.
Further, the thickness decreases the angle of an arm whose elbow is
on the armrest 14 while grasping higher on the handgrip 16 than
would be possible if the elbow were precariously placed on the
bathtub wall. Thus, the thickness of the armrest 14 provides
increased leverage due to the decreased angle while providing a
stable foundation upon which to place pressure when moving from a
sitting position to a standing position.
[0030] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the forward and rearward edges 20, 22 of the base
structure 18 include a plurality of recesses 24 shaped and
dimensioned for receiving similarly shaped projections 26 extending
from a first end 28 of the armrest 14. The projections 26 of the
armrest 14 and the recesses 24 of the base structure 18 are shaped
and dimensioned for creating a coupling clip structure permitting
secure attachment of the armrest 14 to either the forward or
rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18, while similarly
permitting selective detachment of the armrest 14 without requiring
undo force.
[0031] More particularly, and with reference to FIGS. 6a-d and
7a-c, the projections 26 of the armrest 14 and the recesses 24 of
the base structure 18 are shown. Each recess 24 is formed with an
internal connection pin 30 downwardly extending substantially
perpendicularly to the direction in which the projection 26 is
inserted within the recess 24. The connection pin 30 is wedged, or
angled, in a direction toward the recess opening 32 to facilitate
insertion of the projection 26 through the recess 24. Ribs 34 are
located along the forward and rearward portion of the connection
pin 30 for supporting the projection 26 upon attachment of the
armrest 14 to the base structure 18.
[0032] In consideration of the angled nature of the recess
connection pin 30, the forward edge of each projection 26 is
similarly angled to match the shape of the connection pins 30. In
addition, an aperture 38 formed within the projection 26 is
chamfered to facilitate self-locating of the projections 26 upon
the pins 30 of the recesses 24.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 9a-c, the armrest 14 is secured to the
base structure 18 in the following manner. Once the base structure
18 and handgrip 16 have been secured to the upstanding wall of the
bathtub, the armrest 14 is presented to the base structure 18 at an
angle. The armrest 14 is inserted into the recesses 24 along either
the forward or rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18,
depending upon whether it is for right-handed or left-handed use.
Exact positioning by the user is not necessary as the interaction
between the recesses 24 and the projections 26 as described above
substantially positions the armrest 14 in a correct position for
coupling. When the armrest 14 is fully inserted, it can be pushed
downwardly to lock it into place. A positive click can be felt as
the apertures 38 of the projections 26 receive the pins 30 of the
recesses 24.
[0034] The armrest 14 includes a first end 28 and a second end 40.
As discussed above, the first end 28 includes a series of
projections 26 shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to
the forward and rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18. The
second end 40 is rounded to provide an ergonomic, desirable
appearance and to provide a surface, which will not damage the
forearm, or other body part, as the individual attempts to utilize
the present grab bar assembly 10.
[0035] The armrest 14 further includes an upper surface 42 and a
lower surface 44. The lower surface 44 is formed with a ribbed
support structure while the upper surface 42 is a smooth, concave
surface shaped and dimensioned for supporting the arm of an
individual utilizing the present grab bar assembly 10. The shape
and dimension of the concave surface is designed to accommodate a
broad range of arm shapes and sizes. The shape and dimension of the
armrest 14 provide support for a larger portion of the forearm when
grasped from a sitting position within a bathtub.
[0036] With a conventional grab bar the handle is spaced above the
bathtub wall upper surface and the user places his or her arm on
the upper bathtub wall surface and grasps the handle when exiting
the bathtub. In this situation the tub wall only supports the
user's elbow due to the angle one must reach up to grasp the handle
and the elbow can easily slip off. In contrast, and in accordance
with the present invention, the armrest 14 provides a contoured
surface above the upper surface of the bathtub wall decreasing the
height and angle one must reach to grasp the handgrip 16. As such,
not just the elbow is being supported during exit from the bathtub.
Further, when the elbow is supported it is resting in a concave
surface and not on a flat slippery bathtub wall surface.
[0037] Extending from the upper surface 46 of the base structure 18
is an upstanding handgrip 16, which runs parallel to the bathtub
wall. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the handgrip 16 includes a pair of upwardly extending
support arms 48a, 48b and a handle 50. The upwardly extending
support arms 48a, 48b are integrally formed with the handle 50 and
are larger at their bottom connection point to the base structure
18 for added strength. The handle 50 has a substantially triangular
configuration with bubbled and textured gripping surfaces
52a-d.
[0038] The texturing prevents slipping when grabbed with wet hands.
The forward surface 52a of the handle 50 and the rearward surface
52b of the handle 50 are angled at approximately 50 degrees
relative the bottom surface 52c of the handle 50. The angle is
critical as it was designed to provide stability when stepping over
the bathtub wall. The 50-degree angle results in one grabbing the
handle 50 with a straight wrist, much like a handshake. A straight
wrist grasp with the bubble fitting into the palm of the hand
provides superior grab strength and results in added stability as
one crosses over into the bathtub.
[0039] The upper surface 52d of the handle 50 connects forward
surface 52a and rearward surface 52b to form a truncated apex. As
such, an individual may grip the handgrip 16 at a variety of
locations depending upon his or her specific location relative to
the bathtub. The plurality of gripping surfaces 52a-d provided in
conjunction with the present handle 50 also allows convenient
gripping as the armrest 14 is positioned along either the forward
or rearward edges 20, 22 of the base structure 18. As such, and
regardless of which edge the armrest 14 is secured, an individual
using the present grab bar assembly 10 will have a convenient
gripping surface to utilize as he or she enters or leaves
bathtub.
[0040] The coupling assembly 12 extends downwardly from the base
structure 18. The coupling assembly 12 includes first and second
downwardly extending panels 54, 56 defining a recess within which
the upstanding wall of a bathtub maybe positioned for coupling of
the grab bar assembly 10 thereto. The first downwardly extending
panel 54 is integrally formed with the base structure 18 and
includes a smooth outer wall shaped and dimensioned to provide an
aesthetically pleasing surface. The inner wall of the first
downwardly extending panel 54 includes a first backing pad 58 to
provide a smooth surface for attachment to the upstanding wall of
the bathtub. The first backing pad 58 may further be provided with
an elastomer adhesive sheet to enhance attachment of the grab bar
assembly 10 to the upstanding wall of the bathtub.
[0041] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the first backing
pad 58 is formed of a soft, scratch-resistant material, such as
foam or rubber, with a coefficient of friction sufficient to aid in
prevention of slipping along a bathtub, wall, or like surface. In
addition, the first downwardly extending panel 54 is of a
relatively large size to allow for possible installation in other
environments, for example, over shower door tracks.
[0042] With regard to the second downwardly extending panel 56, and
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8a-8d, it is positioned within a
recess 60 formed in the lower surface of the base structure 18. The
recess 60 extends between the first and second lateral sides of the
base structure 18 and the second downwardly extending panel 56 sits
therein such that it may be moved toward or away from the first
downwardly extending panel 54. With this in mind, the second
downwardly extending panel 56 is substantially L-shaped and
includes a slide member 62 shaped and dimensioned to fit within the
recess 60 for movement therein and a clamping member 64 shaped and
dimensioned for opposing the first downwardly extending panel 54
during coupling of the grab bar assembly 10 to the upstanding wall
of a bathtub. The recess 60 and slide member 62 include raised
surfaces 61 which contact each other when joined to reduce lateral
play or other movement.
[0043] Secure attachment to the upstanding wall of a bathtub is
facilitated by pivotally mounting a pressure pad 66 along the inner
surface of the second downwardly extending panel 56. In particular,
the pressure pad 66 is mounted along the inner surface 68 of the
clamping member 64 such that it substantially opposes the backing
pad 58 of the first downwardly extending panel 54. Pivotal movement
of the pressure pad 66 permits the grab bar assembly 10 to readily
adapt the angle between the first and second downwardly extending
panels 54, 56 to accommodate a wide variety of different bathtub
shapes.
[0044] The pressure pad 66 is injection molded and designed for
convenient pivotal attachment along the inner surface of the
clamping member 64 of the second downwardly extending panel 56.
[0045] The pressure pad 66 includes a contoured contact surface 68
formed such that it becomes flat under the force applied during
attachment of the present grab bar assembly 10 to the upstanding
wall of a bathtub. The contoured contact surface 68 preferably
includes a second backing pad 67 formed of a soft,
scratch-resistant material, such as foam or rubber, with a
coefficient of friction sufficient to aid in prevention of slipping
along a bathtub or like surface. The pressure pad 66 further
includes an integrally molded pivot pin 70 along the rear surface
thereof and opposite to the contact surface 68. The pivot pin 70 is
shaped and dimensioned for snap fitting within a similarly shaped
pivot recess 72 formed along the inner surface of the second
downwardly extending panel 56. A series of key recesses 74 along
the pivot pin 70 ensure proper positioning of the pressure pad 66
along the clamping member 64 of the downwardly extending panel
56.
[0046] The first and second downwardly extending panels 54, 56 are
coupled via a screw mechanism. In particular, a handwheel assembly
76 is provided which includes a gripping member 78 and threaded
screw pin 80. The threaded screw pin 80 extends through an aperture
82 in the first downwardly extending panel 54 and the threaded
screw pin 80 engages the second downwardly extending panel 56, in
particular, the slide member 62 of the downwardly extending panel
56. The slide member 62 is formed with mating threads 84. In this
way, rotation of the handwheel assembly 76 causes the thread screw
pin 80 and the mating threads 84 within the slide member 62 to
interact in a manner causing the second downwardly extending panel
56 to move toward and away from the first downwardly extending
panel 54 under the control of the handwheel assembly 76.
[0047] To assist weakened individuals such as the elderly in using
the present invention, the threads on threaded screw pin 80 and
mating threads 84 are preferably wound with a longitudinal distance
between thread coils sufficient to decrease resistance to rotation
of the handwheel assembly 76. A preferred distance between thread
coils is greater than or equal to 18 threads per inch. In one
embodiment, the threads along threaded screw pin 80 are made from
brass when mating threads are made of plastic, or vice versa, as
brass has been found to be self-lubricating when used in plastic.
In a preferred embodiment, the screw mechanism is formed entirely
of rust-resistant material (e.g., non-metals, polymers,
injection-molded plastics).
[0048] The handwheel assembly 76 includes a gripping member 78
which is very large to encourage use by those requiring the
additional leverage offered by a larger gripping member 78. In
addition, the gripping member 78 is contoured to provide a better
fit for a user's hand, thereby allowing users to apply a greater
clamping load.
[0049] The base structure 18, handgrip 16, support arms 48a, 48b
and first downwardly extending panel 54 are all integrally formed.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom surface 52c of the
handle 50 includes a series of ribs 51 formed therein by a lifter
during the molding process. When composed entirely of
injection-molded plastic, the ribs 51 strengthen the handle 50, as
solid plastic tends to shear or otherwise break in comparison. The
ribs 51 not only add strength to the handle section 52c, but also
function as a fluid path blocker. During the molding process a
nozzle is placed under support arm 48a and fluid (i.e., a liquid or
gas) is blown into the mold. The fluid travels up support arm 48a,
through 52a, through 52d, through 52b and back out support arm 48b.
The material exits a small hole 21 in the side support arm 48b into
a reservoir. The hole 21 is filled with the last material exiting
and forms a plug when cooled.
[0050] While the fluid travels through the mold, it creates a
hollow as it forces material from the center of the handgrip out
into a reservoir. The material in the reservoir can later be
recycled. As discussed above, the ribs 51 function to block the
fluid from entering section 52c, thus forcing it to travel up and
around the other handle sections 52a, 52d and 52b. This molding
process further functions to reduce the amount of plastic necessary
to form handle 50. This reduces the cost of production materials as
well as the necessary time for cooling of the plastic in the
mold.
[0051] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *