Decorative cabinet door and drawer handle enclosure

Abstract

A handle enclosure is described having a twist catch that is removably attached to a fixed residential cabinet or drawer handle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 543,627, filed on October 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to cabinet and drawer handles. Background Technology

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown, cabinet door and drawer handles are common in homes and countless other environments. These handles are attached to drawers or doors to facilitate moving them between open and closed positions. Given their ubiquity and visibility, they are often finished with decorative finishes, patterns, or designs intended to harmonize with their placement. Unfortunately, traditional handles have several drawbacks and limitations. For example, disassembling and replacing traditional designs is costly in terms of materials, time-consuming, and requires tools. Therefore, due to these characteristics, users rarely replace traditional handles. Over time, such handles become outdated, old, and unsightly. Ultimately, this necessitates a complete replacement.

[0005] In other alternatives, the cover is permanently attached to the door using a permanent adhesive or other attachment mechanism that requires tools for removal. In fact, since the cover is part of the handle, removing such a traditional cover effectively disables the handle underneath. Furthermore, removing such a traditional cover can be difficult, time-consuming, and may even result in damage to the cover or the door or handle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to improve upon the shortcomings and deficiencies of known cabinet door and drawer handles, this disclosure provides a decorative enclosure that can be snapped together with existing handles without affecting their function and purpose.

[0007] The content of this invention should not be construed as limiting or restricting the claims of this disclosure in any way; only the claims define the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This illustrates a cabinet door with handles in the prior art.

[0009] Figure 2 A front view of a cabinet handle with decorative handle trim is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a cabinet door including handles with decorative handle trim is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a cabinet or drawer handle with a decorative trim resembling a mint stick is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective bottom view of a cabinet or drawer handle with a decorative trim resembling a mint stick is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 Showing an exploded perspective bottom view of cabinet or drawer handles and decorative handle surrounds.

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective side view of a cabinet or drawer handle with decorative trim resembling a candy cane is shown.

[0015] Figure 8 A perspective bottom view of a cabinet or drawer handle with a decorative clasp shaped like a candy cane.

[0016] Figure 9 A front view of a cabinet door with handles covered by decorative handle trim is shown.

[0017] Figure 10 A perspective side view of a drawer cabinet with handles covered by decorative handle trim is shown.

[0018] Figure 11 A side view of a latching decorative handle surround for use with a handle is shown.

[0019] Figure 12 A perspective side view of a decorative handle surround that latches to a cabinet handle is shown.

[0020] Figure 13 A perspective side view of a decorative handle surround for use with a handle is shown.

[0021] Figure 14 This shows a perspective side view of a decorative handle surround attached to a cabinet handle.

[0022] Figure 15 A side view of a latching decorative handle surround for use with a handle is shown.

[0023] Figure 16 A perspective side view of a decorative handle surround that latches to a cabinet handle is shown.

[0024] Figure 17 The decorative handle surround that latches onto the cabinet door is shown.

[0025] Figure 18 A decorative handle surround with a nutcracker latch that snaps onto a cabinet door is shown.

[0026] Figure 19A decorative handle surround with candles that snap onto a cabinet door is shown.

[0027] Figure 20 Showing decorative handles with festive characters that snap onto cabinet doors. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Parts list:

[0029] Cabinet door (3)

[0030] Cabinet or drawer handles (5)

[0031] Handle post (7)

[0032] Drawer (8)

[0033] Dresser with drawers (9)

[0034] Decorative enclosure (10)

[0035] Channel (12)

[0036] Twist buckle (14)

[0037] Spine (16)

[0038] Decorative exterior (18)

[0039] Latch (20)

[0040] Pin (26)

[0041] Passage (30)

[0042] The following detailed description and accompanying drawings illustrate and explain certain features, structural characteristics, or operational characteristics of embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure. Therefore, the detailed description and accompanying drawings are representative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the features described herein. It should also be understood that these drawings may not be drawn to scale and, in some cases, details that are not essential for understanding the disclosed embodiments may be omitted. In the drawings, the same numbers generally represent the same components.

[0043] exist Figure 2-5 In a preferred embodiment shown, the removable decorative surround 10 includes a deformable channel 12, a twist-lock 14, and a decorative exterior 18. Generally, the surround 10 is made of a polymer or rubber with sufficient flexibility or deformability to allow the channel 12 and twist-lock 14 to bend outwards when the surround 10 is pushed onto the handle 5. Given the deformable channel, the handle surround 10 can be used with handles 5 of various shapes and sizes.

[0044] Specifically, when the retaining element 10 is not in use, the channel 12 and the torsion latch 14 are in their nominal, stationary, or closed states. In use, the retaining element is pushed onto the handle 5, causing the channel 12 and latch 14 to bend outwards, entering a stressed or open state, thus accommodating the handle 5 inserted into the channel 12. When the handle 5 is in the channel 12, the channel 12 and torsion latch 14 return to their nominal, stationary, or closed states, thus securing the retaining element 10 to the handle 5. Therefore, the user can repeatedly attach and detach the retaining element 10 from the handle 5 without damaging the handle 5 or the retaining element 10. When the retaining element 10 is attached to the handle, the handle still provides the function of allowing the user to pull or push the handle to open or close the door or drawer. That is, the opening and closing force applied by the user acts primarily on the handle, not the retaining element 10. To remove the handle enclosure 10, the user can hold the door / drawer in a fixed position while using sufficient force to pull the enclosure 10 off the door or drawer, causing the passage 12 and the latch 14 to deform.

[0045] like Figure 5-6 , Figure 8 and Figure 13-14 As shown, the enclosure 10 is provided with a plurality of torsion snaps 14. Typically, the snaps 14 have longitudinal ridges 16 that hold the enclosure 10 onto the handle 5 during use. The snaps 14 may be formed along the channel 12. It is preferable to use four to six snaps to ensure the enclosure 10 is securely attached to the handle 5. Using multiple snaps allows the enclosure 10 to be used with handles having various longitudinal geometries, designs, sizes, and finishes. Other embodiments may include eight or more snaps to further improve the retention of the enclosure 10 to the handle 5. Alternatively, the length of each individual snap 14 may vary depending on the dimensions of the enclosure and the handle. For example, in an alternative embodiment, a single, continuous snap may extend along the entire perimeter of the channel 12, providing a stronger and more stable connection to the handle. In another embodiment, rubber nodes may be used with or as a substitute for the snaps 14. Using snaps 14 or nodes provides a secure connection to the handle without requiring adhesives, tape, or handle grooves corresponding to the snaps 14.

[0046] like Figure 7 , Figure 9-10 and Figure 17-20 As shown, the enclosure 10 is provided with an attractive decorative section or exterior 18. Preferably, the decorative exterior 18 can be provided with various themes. For example, suitable themes include: holidays such as Christmas or Hanukkah; sports teams; seasons; special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries; and boys' or girls' rooms. Figure 5 An exemplary peppermint stick decoration 18 is shown. Figure 7An exemplary candy cane decorative exterior 18 is shown. The enclosure 10 can also be provided in modern, vintage, or other styles to coordinate with existing hardware and room décor. In particular, the decorative exterior 18 can be available in a variety of etched patterns, colors, or other desired themes, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 17-20 As shown. For example, during the manufacturing process, light-emitting diodes that flash or generate ambient lighting when motion or touch is sensed can be embedded in the handle. Alternatively, a small speaker can be used to play music for festivals or special events when motion or touch is sensed.

[0047] The decorative exterior 18, snap fasteners 14, and channel 12 can be configured as separate components, attached to each other by adhesive or other means; alternatively, the entire handle enclosure 10 can be made of a single material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer or silicone). Preferred materials include polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, or naturally derived materials with low hardness to avoid scratching or damaging the handle surface. This material is dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleaning of the handle enclosure 10 after use in children's rooms, kitchens, or garages.

[0048] exist Figure 11-12 and Figure 15-16 In another embodiment shown, the enclosure 10 can be secured or connected to the handle 5 by one or more strips or latches 20 having holes or passages 30 that can tightly accommodate pins 26. The latches 20 can be opened (e.g., from an open state). Figure 11 and Figure 15 As shown, the enclosure can be fitted onto handle 5 or received by handle 5) and swung to the closed state (e.g. Figure 12 and Figure 16 As shown, latch 20 is attached to pin 26 via passage 30, thereby securely holding the enclosure to the handle. This particular embodiment is suitable for and facilitates attachment to handles with asymmetrical, curved, or irregular handles.

[0049] Alternatively, oversized or ergonomic handle surrounds 10 can be provided so that people with disabilities or difficulty reaching certain handles can open and close drawers and doors.

[0050] The above description is for reference only and is not restrictive. In addition to the embodiments described herein, various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to be compliant with the scope of the concepts described herein. Every patent, patent application, and publication disclosure cited or described in this document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] The foregoing description of possible implementations consistent with this disclosure does not represent a complete list of all such implementations or all variations thereof. The description of certain implementations should not be construed as excluding other implementations. For example, those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed techniques and processes can be implemented in many other ways, using equivalents and alternatives that do not depart from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the functional embodiments described in this specification are merely examples or representative illustrations, and the true scope and spirit of the features described in this disclosure should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A decorative enclosure detachably attached to an elongated handle having a transverse member, the decorative enclosure comprising: The first end, the second end, and the elongated channel between the first end and the second end, the channel having a nominal width greater than the width of the transverse member; The decorative section between the first end and the second end; A first torsion buckle is formed on the channel, the torsion buckle being movable between a stressed position and an unstressed position, wherein the enclosure is detachably secured to the handle by moving the torsion buckle from the unstressed position to the stressed position and back to the unstressed position.

2. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The torsion buckle is formed of a material with a hardness significantly lower than that of the extended handle, thereby allowing the decorative trim to be attached to and detached from the handle without damaging the surface of the handle.

3. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The decorative surface is a mint stick.

4. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The decorative surface is a candy cane.

5. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The decorative surface is formed in a lightning bolt shape.

6. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The enclosure includes light-emitting diodes connected to the decorative surface.

7. The handle enclosure as described in claim 1, wherein, The enclosure includes a sound-generating device connected to the decorative surface.

8. A decorative enclosure detachably attached to an elongated handle having a transverse member, the decorative enclosure comprising: The first end, the second end, and the elongated channel between the first end and the second end; Decorative section, the decorative section being disposed above the channel; A latch with a passageway; A pin extends from the channel, wherein the latch is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the pin extends into the channel.

9. The decorative enclosure as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The decorative section is a candle.

10. The decorative enclosure as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The decorative section is the main character.

11. A decorative enclosure detachably attached to an elongated handle having a transverse member, the decorative enclosure comprising: The first end, the second end, and the elongated channel between the first end and the second end, the channel having a nominal width greater than the width of the transverse member; Decorative section, the decorative section being disposed on the elongated channel; A first torsion buckle, the torsion buckle being formed of a material with a hardness significantly lower than that of the extended handle, the torsion buckle being disposed on the channel, the torsion buckle being movable between a stressed position and an unstressed position, wherein the enclosure is detachably fixed to the handle by moving the torsion buckle from the unstressed position to the stressed position and back to the unstressed position.

12. The handle enclosure as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The decorative section is a mint stick.

13. The handle enclosure as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The decorative section is a candy cane.

14. The handle enclosure as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The decorative section includes a three-dimensional themed character.

15. The handle enclosure as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The decorative section includes a three-dimensional subject object.

16. The handle enclosure as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The enclosure includes light-emitting diodes connected to the decorative section.

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