Abstract:
An assist device for a door handle comprises an elongated bar which has one end pivoting about a pivot pin and another end receiving a pivot piece therein. The parts interact to produce a tight looking, attractive, easy-to-assemble, and sturdy device with no sharp projecting parts.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to an assist device which is secured to a pivotally connected, push-pull type handle for operation of a latch assembly of a door in order that the door may be opened by a person without requiring direct hands-on contact of the assist device or handle thereof. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   In today&#39;s fast paced society, it is common practice for a person&#39;s hands to be completely or at least partially occupied by the support and carrying of a variety of packages, bundles, brief cases, and even smaller objects such as glasses, plates, keys, etc. When the hands of a person are occupied and a person still wishes to pass through a door, considerable time is wasted in the rearranging of the carried packages or bundles or, even more inconveniently, the release or re-positioning of such packages on the floor, ground or other areas. 
   It is of course recognized that certain doors are designed to include handles, locks and/or latch assemblies which are specifically intended to be relatively complicated in order to prevent unauthorized entries. Typical doors, handles, and associated latch assemblies of this type are presently used or installed in association with the primary or more frequently used entrances of a business, dwelling, etc. However, other much more simplified latch assemblies are frequently utilized for doors which are not specifically structured to prevent unauthorized access. 
   More specifically, screen doors are typically used in association with door ways which lead from the interior of a home or like structure out onto a porch, patio, pool area, etc. Such doors are, for the most part, made from webbing or screens surrounded by a metallic or like rigid material door frame. Screen doors of course have as their primary purpose to allow the passage of air flow therethrough as well as allow clear viewing through the screening portion of such doors. Similarly, the handle and latch assemblies of such doors normally do not include a rotationally mounted door know but rather utilize a relatively inexpensive, light weight, pivotally mounted handle of the “push-pull” type. In opening such doors the handle is generally forced inwardly (or outwardly) to orient the latch assembly associated therewith, into a latch-open position. However, such handles and associated latch assemblies may be particularly difficult to open when, as set forth above, the person&#39;s hands are occupied. This is typically the case when one or more people are desirous of bringing plates of foods, beverages, etc. from a kitchen area out to a patio, porch or pool area. Also, when the hands of a person are so occupied, the opening of the screen door or similar structure is frequently accomplished using the hip or other convenient and correspondingly positioned portion of a person&#39;s body to “bump” against the handle, in an attempt to force the latch assembly associated therewith, into an open position. 
   However, because of the simplistic design and relatively inexpensive material from which such door handles and associated latch assemblies are structured, their workings are relatively imprecise, at least to the extent that the interacting components which serve to define a latch-open or a latch-closed position do not always operate efficiently or consistently. As a result, manipulation of the aforementioned handle is rendered somewhat difficult and erratic wherein, such erratic operation often increases with age and wear particularly when such devices are frequently exposed to the sometimes harsh environment of the outdoors. 
   Merryman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,451) shows an assist device that is somewhat “loose” looking (handle in flared part 19 of FIG. 3) with projections such as shown by the ends of cotter pin 17 (FIG. 4). 
   Kwatonowski (U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,145) shows a “loose” looking assist device (see parts 7 and 8A of FIG. 2) which uses a flat spring 11 at one end. 
   There is a need for an improved device or mechanism, which allows the effective operation of a handle and associated latch structure and thereby facilitates the opening and closing of the door without requiring a person to firmly grip and or even directly contact the handle or the improved assist device itself. Such an improved assist device should be easily, quickly and efficiently connected to an existing door handle without requiring any structural modification thereor, or the door to which it is attached. 
   Such an improved assist device should also be disposed and structured for easy attachment to a handle and have a configuration which facilitates the manipulation of the handle and its latch not only by adults but also by small children who may be of an age which do not totally comprehend the workings of a door handle in terms of improper push-pull or rotary action that must be applied thereto in order to orient the latch of the door between an open or closed position. In the case of extremely small children the latch associated with a screen door or other type of door utilizing such a push-pull handle and latch structure should be capable of being locked in the normal conventional fashion but should also be disposed and configured to allow even children in the toddler age group to manipulate the assist device in order to open the door when it is not intentionally locked. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed towards an assist device structured to facilitate the opening of a door, particularly, but not exclusively of the screen door type, wherein the door handle and latch assembly associated therewith is selectively positionable between a latch-open and a latch closed position, by the pivotable, “push-pull” action of the handle, normally requiring the utilization of at least one hand of a person. More specifically, the assist device of the present invention is designed to allow manipulation of the handle into a “latch-open” position without requiring direct engagement or manipulation of either the assist device or the handle directly by either of the hands of a person. 
   The assist device of the present invention comprises a bar having an elongated configuration terminating in a proximal end and an oppositely disposed distal end. The bar may be made available in any one of a plurality of different lengths. However, in at least one embodiment of the present invention the length of the bar is such that when in an operative position relative to the door handle, it extends transversely across substantially the entire width of the door. 
   The proximal end of the bar interacts with the handle. The distal end of the bar is secured to a brace member and/or a spaced apart portion of the door itself in order that the elongated bar is movably supported on the door at both its proximal and distal ends. This type of support facilitates the application or exertion of a force on the bar, utilizing the hips, upper thighs, or any other convenient and appropriate portion of a person&#39;s body. The appropriate force is typically demonstrated by exerting an inward push on the bar in order that the handle is positioned or orientated so as to move the associated latch assembly into the required “latch-open” position. Further, the movable yet secured support and/or attachment of the bar to the door, in the manner described above, allows an inwardly or other appropriately directed force to be exerted at any of a plurality of locations along the length of the bar and thereby effectively manipulate the handle, into the aforementioned latch-open position. 
   As set forth above, at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the length of the bar being sufficient to extend substantially across the entire width of the door and in generally perpendicular or otherwise transverse relation to the length of the door. In at least one alternate embodiment of the present invention, the bar may have a length somewhat less than the width of the door. In this embodiment the distal end of the bar is connected to either a brace member and/or to a portion of the door itself in a manner that allows at least minimal movement of the distal end relative to the door when an applicable force is supplied to the bar in an attempt to position the handle and the associated latch assembly into the aforementioned latch-open position. Therefore, regardless of the length of the bar a force may be applied thereto at almost any of a plurality of points or locations along its length in order to force the handle into the latch-open position. 
   The conventional structuring of the handle and its conventional, associated latch assembly is such that the handle will be biased outwardly back into the latch-closed position, when the force or pressure is released from the bar. Therefore a mere “bump” need only be exerted on an exposed, outer portion of the bar in order that the handle be forced or pivoted inwardly into the latch-open position. 
   Other features associated with the assist device of the present invention is the simple and easy attachment of the bar to the handle and other portions of the door. In addition, such attachment or mounting of the bar to the handle, in the manner set forth above, does not interfere with a conventional operation of the handle and associated latch assembly, particularly relating to the ability to selectively lock or unlock the door, as desired. This will allow the conventional door handle and associated latch to be locked or unlocked as an added safety measure, so as to prevent small children from passing through the door, unattended. However, the location and configuration of the bar when mounted in its operative position on the handle and door, facilitates use by adults and children alike in order that passage through the opening, with which the door is associated, is greatly facilitated. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in  FIGS. 8–11 , the synergistic interaction of a pivot piece, u-shaped bracket (with a pivot pin) and bar produces an attractive, easy to assemble and sturdy assist device with no sharp projecting parts. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the assist device including a bar mounted on one face of the door and connected to a conventional door handle. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the assist device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a top interior view partial cut away of the attachment of the bar to a conventional handle. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the opposite end of the bar is supported on the door or an associated brace member. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view in partial phantom and cutaway of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is an end view of a proximal open end of the bar of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the door handle with the pivot piece apart from the bar. 
       FIG. 9  is a partial view of  FIG. 8  showing the pivot piece snugly received in the bar. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the bar with the pivot pin therein, both apart from the u-shaped bracket which is sturdily mounted on the door support. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspectice view showing the bar snugly received in the u-shaped bracket. 
       FIG. 12  is a sectional view taken transversely to the longitudinal axis of the elongated bar  16  shown in  FIG. 11 , and passing through the bracket  30 , bar  16 , the pivot pin  32  and the mounting screw  53 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partial cut away side view of the handle of the invention. 
       FIG. 14  is another partial cut away side view of the handle of the invention. 
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   As shown in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to an assist device generally indicated as  10  which is designed and structured to efficiently position a door handle, generally indicated as  12 , and an associated latch assembly (not shown for purposes of clarity) on a screen door or similar type of closure structure, generally indicated as  14 . The door handle  12  is of the type that is generally pivotally connected to the frame of the door  14  and is conventionally designed to be a “push-pull” type of handle normally requiring the gripping thereof by at least a single hand of a person passing through the door opening. 
   More specifically, the assist device  10  of the present invention comprises an elongated bar  16  which preferably, but not exclusively comprises a tubular construction as best shown in  FIG. 7 . The bar  16  includes a proximal end generally indicated as  18  and a distal end generally indicated as  20 . The bar  16  is formed from a rigid material and in at least one embodiment, has a length sufficient to extend substantially across the entire width of the door  14  and in transverse or even perpendicular relation to the length thereof. Obviously, the specific orientation of the bar, in terms of its transverse positioning relative to the length of the door  14 , can vary. However, the bar should be conveniently disposed to allow manipulation of the handle  12 , by persons of all ages and sizes, without requiring hands-on contact or engagement directly with the bar  16 , as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. With reference to  FIG. 2 , it is apparent that the length of the bar, indicated as  16 ′, may vary and may extend transversely across the door  14  at a location which is generally less than the entire width of the door  14 . 
   In either the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bar  16  and/or  16 ′ has its proximal end  18  interacting with handle  12 . With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the bar  16  and/or  16 ′ may include an open proximal end  18 , whether or not the entire length of the bar  16  is tubular or not. However, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the open, proximal end is sufficiently dimensioned to receive a free end  12 ′ of the handle  12  at least partially into the interior of the bar  16  or  16 ′. Further, a connecting tab or link as at  21  may be secured both to the proximal end  18  of the bar and to handle  12  by connectors  22 . 
   The opposite or distal end  20  of the bar  16 ,  16 ′ is interconnected to the door  14  in supported relation thereon. More specifically, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wherein the bar  16  has a length sufficient to extend substantially across the entire width of the door  14 , the distal end  20  may be connected to a brace member  24 , which in turn may be attached or mounted on a correspondingly positioned portion or frame of the door  14  as at  14 ′. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the length of bar  16 ′ extends only partially across the width of the door  14 . In this embodiment a supplementary brace member as at  26  is utilized to support and interconnect the distal end  20  of the bar  16  to the door  14 . It should be further noted that in either of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2  the brace member may be defined directly by a door frame  14 ′ or another appropriately positioned portion of the door  14 , depending upon the overall design and structure of the door  14 . 
   In either embodiment, however, both the proximal end  14  and the distal end  20  are attached and/or interconnected in generally supporting relation on the door  14 . With further regard to the proximal end  18 , it interacts with the handle so as to move therewith when an inwardly directed force or pushing is exerted on the outer, exposed portion of the bar  16 , whether or not such force is exerted thereon by the hand or other conveniently located portion of a person&#39;s body, such as the hip, upper thigh, etc. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , the distal end  20  is pivotally or otherwise movably secured to either the brace member  24 , 26  and/or to a portion of the door or door frame  14 ′ by means of a connector generally indicated as  28 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the connector  28  includes a u-shaped bracket  30  having a connecting pin, bolt or like elongated member  32 , passing through the proximal end  20  of the bar  16 . By virtue of this supported connection of the distal end  20  onto the door  14 , 14 ′ or brace member  24 , 26 , the bar  16 , 16 ′ is allowed to at least minimally pivot, as indicated by the directional arrows of  FIG. 6  as the bar  16 , 16 ′ is forced inwardly towards the face of the door  14 , so as to orient the handle  12  in a latch-open position. In the top view of  FIG. 6 , directional arrow  40  represents at least a minimal pivotal movement of the bar  16 , as an inwardly directed force is applied to the bar  16  in order to move the handle  12  and its associated latch assembly into the aforementioned latch-open position. Similarly, the normal and conventional structural operation of the handle  12  and its associated latch assembly are structure to be normally biased outwardly into a latch closed position, wherein the bar  16  will pivot at least minimally outward in accordance with the directional arrow  41 . 
   By virtue of this construction, the assist device  10  comprising the bar  16  or  16 ′ is orientated so as to facilitate orientation of the handle  12  into a latch-open position, without requiring the direct contact by the hands of the person. This thereby facilitates opening of the door  14 , such as when the person&#39;s hands are occupied. Also children may more easily open a door  14  equipped with the assist device  10  in that small children frequently do not have the manual dexterity to properly or at least efficiently manipulate a conventional handle structure  12 , of the type described. However, it should be emphasized that the assist device  10  is structured to allow locking of the handle and/or associated latch assembly in the conventional manner in order to prevent opening of the door by small children, when such is desired. 
   A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 8–11  of the drawings. The door handle  12  ( FIG. 8 ) is provided with a pivot piece  50  sturdily attached thereto with a pair of nuts and bolts  52 . The pivot piece  50  does not extend completely across the width of handle  12  and hence when in place leaves shoulders  51  on handle  12 . In this embodiment, the pivot piece is a flat rectangular piece about 1⅞ inches long by about ⅝ inches wide; and projects about ⅞ inches from the end of the handle. The pivot piece is about 1/16 inches thick. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the pivot piece is inserted into bar  16  to form a tight, attractive fit with the end of the bar in close proximity to the shoulders. The bar is a hollow tube with a square cross-sectional shape and a wall thickness of about 1/16 inch, and having about ¾ inch sides. 
     FIG. 11  shows the other end of bar  16  attached to u-shaped bracket  30  by pivot pin  32 . Bracket  30  and pivot pin  32  are selected to add attractiveness and stability to the assist device. Pivot pin  32  consists of a long inside threaded bolt about one inch long with an outside diameter of about 3/16 inch; and a short outside threaded bolt about ⅜ inches long with an outside diameter of about ⅛ inches. The short bolt is screwed into the large bolt. Either or both bolts have screwdriver slots as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     FIG. 11  further shows the tight and attractive fit of bar  16  secured to bracket  30  by pivot pin  32 . The bracket is about 1¾ inches long and about 1⅛ inches high. It is noteworthy that the holes in the bar receiving the pivot pin bolts are not at a point halfway up the bar sides. Rather, the hole centers are about ¼ inch from the top of the bar, and pass through the top part of the bracket. Hence the part of the bar near the pivot pin fits snugly and attractively within the bracket. The tops of the bracket sides project slightly above the top of the bar as shown in  FIG. 11 . It is surprising that a “pivoting” bar can have such tight, sturdy and attractive supports. 
   The bar, pivot piece and u-shaped bracket can be made from various metals, plastic and woods. Aluminum is the preferred material. 
     FIG. 10  shows the sturdy attachment of the bracket  30  to the door support using as least two screws. 
     FIG. 8  shows the protruding pivot piece  50  before its insertion into bar  16 . 
     FIG. 9  shows the bar  16  in close proximity to shoulders  51  after insertion of the pivot piece into the bar. 
     FIG. 12  shows bar  16  secured entirely within bracket  30  by pivot pin  32 . Pivot pin  32  is comprised of outside threaded short bolt screwed into long inside threaded bolt  40 . The bracket is secured to a door or a door bracket support by multiple screws, one of which is shown (see screw  53 ). 
     FIG. 13  shows the handle  12  of the invention in one position. 
     FIG. 14  shows the handle  12  of the invention in its pivoted position. 
   Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.