Reconfigurable handle

Details Reconfigurable handle Reconfigurable handle

1999-08-18

2001-11-13

Knight, Anthony (Department: 3626)

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

Insulated handle

Bar-type handle

C016S421000, C016S431000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06314617

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of handles connected to a variety of implements such as recreational equipment or work tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handle capable of being reconfigured to conform to the contours of an user's hand.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Implements with handles, such as recreational equipment and work tools, are utilized by the user's hand grasping the handle. Often such an implement is utilized for relatively long periods of time, require precise hand and arm control, and may be used by consecutive multiple users. Thus, a handle capable of conforming ergonomically to the contours of each user's hand would enhance user comfort, control, maneuverability, and decrease direct and indirect injuries which could result from using the implement.
Currently, various handles capable of conforming to an user's grip are available. For example, a common approach is to provide a pre-contoured handled generally conforming to an average hand and having a resilient outer layer that can be deformed temporarily at points of greatest pressure generated by the user's tight grip on the handle. However, this approach cannot provide adequate conformation if the user does not have an average hand, does not grip tightly enough, or wants to save the conformation for future use. Another approach is to provide a handle which can be custom molded by a third party. The obvious disadvantage is the additional expense and time associated with such custom fitting as well as the fact that the conformation is permanent and thus comfortable for only one user thereafter. Still another approach is to provide a handle having a shape molding capability through one or more layers of chemically or thermally activated materials. This approach provides custom fitting without undue time and expense. However, due to the small time frame available once the material has been activated in which the user must shape the handle and often due to the instability of such materials, this approach is unforgiving of mistakes in shaping the handle or inadvertent activation of the material. Furthermore, even if the handle is successfully molded, it cannot be remolded for any other person thereafter.
Therefore, there is a need for a handle that can be reconfigured quickly, easily, and inexpensively to conform to the contours of an user's hand. Moreover, the handle should provide means for saving the grip contours of the last user. Finally, the handle should be repeatedly reconfigurable to accommodate multiple users and to permit fine adjustments for the present user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One embodiment of the invention relates to a reconfigurable handle having an elongate shaft extending along a central axis and a plurality of segments movably retained along and about the central axis of the shaft. The plurality of segments are movable by at least one of rotation and translation relative to the central axis to reconfigure an outer circumference of the handle.
In one preferred embodiment, the reconfigurable handle further includes a locking mechanism having a first position and a second position, an outer covering to form a semi-smooth gripping surface on the outer circumference of the handle, and an endcap to keep the segments on the shaft.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a reconfigurable handle having an elongate shaft extending along a central axis, a segment moveably retained along and about the central axis of the shaft, and a member having a surface movably coupled to the shaft for axial movement along the central axis. The member moves between a first position, to compress the segment to selectively configure a gripping surface of the handle, and a second position, to release the segment for movement along and about the shaft.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of selectively reconfiguring a gripping surface of a handle. The method includes moving a plurality of handle segments and selectively retaining the plurality of handle segments relative to one another and with respect to the central axis, thereby preserving the reconfigured gripping surface of the handle.
In one preferred embodiment, the method permits moving the handle segments in an axial direction, a non-axial direction, and a rotational direction, and retaining the handle segments by linearly compressing adjacent handle segments relative to one another. The method further includes selectively releasing the handle segments such that the gripping surface of the handle can be reconfigured a plurality of times as desired.


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