Easy maintenance flush mount door handle

Details Easy maintenance flush mount door handle Easy maintenance flush mount door handle

1999-06-23

2001-09-04

Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3626)

Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,

Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct

Door handle

C016S413000, C312S348600

Reexamination Certificate

active

06282753

ABSTRACT:

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to door handles and, more particularly, to a flush mount door handle having easy cleaning properties which make it uniquely suited for use in environments having high germ counts or where germ transmission is to be avoided, for example, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and 3-A sanitary applications.
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The majority of door handles consist of knobs, or arms, or similar shapes and configurations that extend perpendicularly several inches from the exterior of the door for easy grasping and manipulation. In many settings, however, it is not desirable or safe to have door handles protruding into a given space. To address this problem, flush mounted door handles have been introduced.
Typically, flush mount door handles are of a box type configuration having a back wall, a top support member, a bottom support member, and two sidewalls, each perpendicularly extending outwardly from the back wall to form a box with an opening in the front. Within the front opening is a pull member or ridge providing the user a grasping means for manipulation of the handle. The pull member is typically located along the outer edge of one of the sidewalls and extends from the top support member to the bottom support member. The entire unit is mounted to a door by recessing it into the door.
A shortcoming of the current flush mount door handle design is that it creates an environment conducive to unsanitary conditions. The bottom support member creates a flat horizontal surface as it extends perpendicularly, 90°, from the back wall and the pull member creates a “blind” pocket between the back wall and the pull member. This combination makes it difficult to clean the door handle and creates an environment conducive to dirt and grime build up and perhaps, most importantly, germ growth.
There is a need, therefore, for a flush mount door handle that is easy to clean and reduces the buildup of dirt, grime, debris, and pathogenic agents that can cause contamination or the transfer of illness.
III. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a flush mount door handle which is easy to keep sanitary.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a flush mount door handle which eliminates the buildup of dirt and grime, and germ growth associated with current flush mount door handles. A related object of the present invention is to decrease the amount of illness caused by contamination that results from using door handles.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a flush mount door handle which is economical and easy to install.
Other objects of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objects of the present invention are provided for in a sanitary pull flush mount door handle. According to the invention, a flush mount door handle in a box type configuration recessed within the door frame is provided. The improved door handle comprises a back wall, a top support member, a bottom support member, two sidewalls, and a pull member.
The top support member and two sidewalls are each attached to the back wall as is custom in the industry. The bottom support member is attached to the back wall at an obtuse angle sufficient to permit the runoff of liquids and loose dirt and grime. The pull member is affixed to the “box” created by the top support member, sidewalls, and back wall in such a manner that it does not contact the bottom support member, thereby creating a gap which does not interfere with runoff, permits easier cleaning of the entire door handle, and improves air flow behind the pull member.


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