Abstract:
A displaceable door handle system is provided in which a door handle is displaceably mounted to a door body and is shaped so that the pivot point(s) are sufficient operational distances from an actuation surface such that the force necessary to be applied to the actuation surface to release the door is less than a desired parameter. In a preferred embodiment, a generally horizontal surface is provided on the door handle, with two generally vertical surfaces provided on either side of the actuation surface. The pivot mounts for the door handle are provided in the vicinity of the respective ends of the vertical surfaces.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly owned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/299,422, entitled “Door Handle Actuated Electronic Egress System”. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to displaceable door handles and locks. More particularly, the invention concerns a pivoting door handle system, such as can be used for panic handles and other types of door handles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Various forms of pivoted door handle and panic handle mechanisms exist in which a door handle is pivotally mounted on a door, with a latch operatively connected to the handle such that when the handle is pivoted, the door unlatches. An example of such a pivoting door handle is shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,711,480. In such known pivoting handle systems, when the handle is depressed, a latching mechanism is actuated to unlatch the door. In order to do so, however, typically friction forces as well as spring forces incorporated in the handle assembly, if any, must be overcome. For example, there can exist friction at the hinges between the door and the door frame, between the edge of the door and the door frame, at the pivot assemblies, and in the handle. In addition to friction, there can be inertia forces must be overcome in order to swing the heavy door into motion from a stationary position. A person opening the door must apply enough force to the handle to overcome the opposing spring, friction and inertia forces.  
           [0004]    Certain people such as children and the elderly may experience difficulty applying sufficient force to the handle to overcome the spring, friction and inertia forces and open the door. In the case of fire or other emergency, a person may be trapped in a building, unable to overcome the friction and inertia forces and open the door. Standard setting bodies have established criteria for standards grading that address such situations. In one known standard, a maximum force of 15 lbf. (67N) is proscribed. This can be found, for example in Section 7.2 of the American National Standard For Exit Devices, Approved Jul. 2, 2001 by the American National Standards Institute, Inc. and developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, Inc. (ANSI/BHMA A156.3-2001). This standard also specifies that an actuating surface should be visually and physically distinct. In further complication, the amount of force applied to unlatch a pivoting handle can vary depending upon the location on the handle at which the force is applied is pushed. For example, in a known L-shaped handle design as shown in Ser. No. 4,711,480, if the force is applied in the proximity of the pivot point at an end of the “L”, it can be relatively more difficult or impossible to generate adequate force to oppose the requisite spring and/or friction forces and pivot the handle to unlatch the door. In view of these drawbacks, there exists a need for a panic door handle that provides a larger operative region for generating requisite loads to unlatch and open a door.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present invention alleviates to a great extent the disadvantages of the known door handles by providing a door handle that is pivotally mounted to a door body that is shaped so that the pivot point(s) are sufficient operational distances from an actuation surface such that the force necessary to be applied to the actuation surface to release the door is less than a desired parameter. More particularly, the present invention provides an enhanced actuation surface for a door handle system, such as for example a panic handle system. According to some embodiments of the present invention a handle with an actuation surface and a lever arm between a mounting or pivot assembly and the actuation surface. For example, the door handle in an embodiment generally has a J-shape with mounting assemblies located at or near distal ends of the “J”. Should a person apply force at the actuation surface along the bottom of the “J”, then the force will be applied at a sufficient distance from both pivot assemblies so that the door can be opened within a desired range of actuation force. The extended lever arm presented in this construction over an “L” construction can result in a relatively lower required force applied on the actuation surface, for any given handle compression resistance? in order to unlatch the door.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation surface is further enhanced with a directional force application marker is provided on an actuation surface of the door handle. In this embodiment, the door handle may be any shape, including “L”, “J” and other shapes.  
           [0007]    Some advantages of the present invention include: decreased force required to open door; applied force more efficiently utilized because the applied force can be better aligned with the pivot direction; door more likely to meet building regulations and codes within the U.S. and elsewhere; door more convenient to open because less force is required and force is efficiently employed; smoother actuation of door handle and door; and door less likely to trap people in case of emergency.  
           [0008]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures in which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting operation of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3A is a detail of a side view of an actuation system of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 16 is a front view of an embodiment of a door handle system in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various aspects of the invention throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced aspects.  
         [0027]    FIGS.  1 - 4  illustrate an embodiment of a displaceable door handle system  5  according to the present invention. Generally speaking, the system  5  includes a movable component that can receive actuation via a pressure input  2  in the direction indicated by arrows A in FIG. 3. Typically, the pressure input would be by a person seeking to open a door pushing on the movable component  1 , such as by hand, back, foot or other body part. Alternatively a mechanical pressure input  2  in direction A could be provided such as via a wheelchair or other assistant device such as prosthesis or cane. The movable component  1  can be any component that can withstand the pressure input and move at least a predetermined distance as desired from the pressure input  2 . In one example, the movable component is a door handle  50  appropriately mounted so as to displace relative to the door body  20  in response to the pressure input  2 . Upon being actuated by the pressure input  1 , the movable component  1  results in an output signal  3 , such as a mechanical motion of a linkage or other mechanical translation actuator. Alternatively, an electronic signal can be generated using an electronic actuator. The electronic actuation embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1, and in that embodiment, the output signal is received by an optional switch,  4 , which in turn outputs optional switch signal  6 . It should be understood however that a preferred embodiment for a panic handle system does not include switch  4  and switch signal  6 , and instead a mechanical linkage assembly is actuated such as by output signal  3  to directly unlatch latching assembly  7 . In an embodiment including switch  4 , switch signal  6  alternatively can be an analog electrical signal, digital signal, or alternatively a wireless signal. The switch signal is transmitted to a locking or latching assembly  7 , which is actuated by the signal to unlock or unlatch the door. For example, the locking or latching assembly  7  can receive an analog signal that operates an electronic unlocking or unlatching mechanism in the locking or latching assembly  7 . Alternatively, locking or latching apparatus may receive a digital signal  6 , and include an A/D converter that converts the digital signal into an analog signal and thereby operates an electronic unlocking or unlatching mechanism. In a wireless embodiment, the locking or latching mechanism  7  includes a wireless receiver that receives signal  6 , and operates to unlock or unlatch the door.  
         [0028]    Turning to a specific embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and  3 A, the displaceable door handle system  5  comprises a door  10  including a door body or door panel  20  having a one of a top door rail  30  or a bottom door rail  40  affixed thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the system includes both a top door rail  30  and bottom door rail  40 , as illustrated in FIG. 2. A door handle  50 , such as for example a generally J-shaped handle  50  is mounted onto the panel  20 . Preferably, the handle  50 , in at least some portion of it defines an interior space, i.e. is hollow. The linkage assembly is located in such a space. However, it should be understood that the handle  50  need not include such a space and a linkage can be located elsewhere on handle  50  for unlatching the door.  
         [0029]    The handle  50  can be attached to the door in any fashion. In one embodiment, the handle  50  is pivotally mounted to the door at mounting assemblies  60 ,  70  (“pivot assemblies” and “mounting assemblies” may include any type of connector and also are referred to herein as “pivot points”) near or at its respective ends. Alternatively, it may have a single pivot point or any other number of pivot points such that the handle can be mounted to the door body  20 . Any type of pivot assembly or other type of connector assembly may be used that is sufficient to mount the handle  1  to the door body  20  while still enabling relative motion between the handle  50  and door body  20  at a desired location on the handle  50 .  
         [0030]    Any shaped handle  50  may be used. For a panic handle embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 10 , a bent handle  50  may be used, in various shapes, such as, J-shaped, angled etc. In an illustrated embodiment, the handle  50  has a pair of bends  80 , 85  forming a generally J-shaped handle  50  including an actuation surface  90 , that is horizontal in a J-shaped embodiment (also called “horizontal bar”), a vertical portion  100  (also called “vertical bar”) and a handle extension portion  105 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a generally 90 degree angle is provided at bends  80  and  85 . any other angle may be used as well, including, but not limited to 30, 60, 85, 95, 120, 150, 270 and 305 degree angles.  
         [0031]    The actuation surface  90  is adapted to be pushed (such as in direction A illustrated in FIG. 3) to open the door  10 . A lever arm can be created in the present system by locating pivot point  60  spaced away from actuation surface  90 . Although the actuation surface  90  is illustrated as horizontal, it should be understood that it can have other orientations as well, such as vertical. Likewise, a user is free to push on handle  50  at any point on it, although generally speaking the force required in direction A for unlatching typically will be higher at areas not within the actuation surface.  
         [0032]    As seen in FIG. 2, some embodiments involve a generally J-shape handle  50  with the pivot points  60 , 70  located at or close to each distal end  60 , 70 . Thus, the present invention incorporates a moving pivot  60  spaced away away from the actuation surface  90  and connected via lever arm surface  105 . The distance created between pivot point  60  and the actuation surface  90  can result in an increased lever arm. Adjusting the lever arm distance (and length of lever arm surface  105 ) can change the amount of force required on actuation surface  90  to unlatch the door.  
         [0033]    As illustrated in FIG. 3A, in a preferred embodiment, the handle  50  includes an indentation or aperture  102  that is adapted to receive an actuator post assembly  110  that extends from the door panel  20  and toward, or alternatively into, indentation or aperture  102 . The actuator post assembly can include a solid element extending from the door panel  20  that has sufficient structural strength to remain in tact when handle is depressed and contacts the assembly  110 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A, the actuator post assembly includes a spring resistance that resists relative motion of the door handle  50  towards the door panel  20 . Preferably, a sufficient amount of spring resistance is provided to make the door handle relatively stable when not being actuated, and to provide a desired amount of resistive force in direction B opposing actuation force in direction A. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring resistance is provided by spring element  106  mounted within post mount  104  and cap  108 . It should be understood that any type of spring element may be used, including without limitation a coil spring, hydraulic spring, or any other form of spring loading element. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts the spring resistance (in direction B) is provided at an area on the door handle, it should be appreciated that the resistance element(s)  106  can be provided at any location or plural locations on the door handle such that the desired resistance can be provided. For example, if it is desired to have a 15 lbf. resistance at the actuation surface of the door handle, plural resistance elements may be located, for example all in the vertical portion(s) or all in the horizontal portion(s) or alternatively in a combination of vertical, horizontal or angled portions of the door handle  50 . Likewise single resistance elements can be provided at any desired location so long as the desired resistance is provided at the actuation surface. It should be recognized that the increased lever arm provided in the present invention permits a relatively greater spring resistance to be provided if desired as the lever arm assists with a user to achieve a greater force in direction A at the resistance point.  
         [0034]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  80  such that the vertical bar  100  extends upward from the bend  80  and into top door rail  30 . In addition, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  85  and extension  105  extends upward from actuation surface  90 , but does not extend into the top door rail  30 . Alternatively, extension  105  may extend to any point, including up to top door rail  30 .  
         [0035]    Other examples of door handles  50  used in the displaceable door handle system  5  of the present invention are illustrated in the figures. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the displaceable door handle system  5  comprises a door  10  including a panel  20  having a header  30  and footer  40 . In this embodiment, the handle  50  is bent (at  80 ) forming a horizontal bar  90  and a vertical bar  100  that extends downward into footer  40 . The handle  50  is also bent (at  85 ) forming a handle extension  105 . An optional actuator post assembly  110  is used to actuate a latching assembly and unlock the door  10 . Pivot member  120  is structured to pivotally mount door  10  to an appropriate door frame (not shown). In this embodiment, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  80  such that the vertical bar  100  extends upward from the bend  80  and into header  30 . Also, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  85  and that handle extension  105  extends downward from actuation surface  90 , but does not extend into the footer  40 .  
         [0036]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  80  such that the vertical bar  100  extends downward from the bend  80  and into bottom door rail  40 . Further, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  85  and that handle extension  105  extends downward from actuation surface  90 , but does not extend into the bottom door rail  40 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  80  such that the vertical bar  100  extends downward from the bend  80  and into bottom door rail  40 . Additionally, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  85  and that handle extension  105  extends upward from actuation surface  90 , but does not extend into the top door rail  30 .  
         [0037]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bend  80  such that the vertical bar  100  extends upward from the bend  80  and into top door rail  30 . In addition, a generally 60-degree angle is provided at bend  85 . However, any other angles may be used.  
         [0038]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the displaceable door handle system  5  comprises double doors  10 , 10 . Elements analogous to those described above with respect to FIGS.  2 - 7  have been numbered accordingly. The doors  10 , 10  are mirror images of each other about centerline  170  such that one handle  50  is J-shaped and the other handle  50  has an inverted J-shape. In this embodiment, the handles  50 , 50  are bent (at  80 , 80 ) forming horizontal bars  90 , 90  and vertical bars  100 , 100  that extend upward into headers  30 , 30 . In addition, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bends  85 , 85  and each handle extension  105 , 105  extends upward from the actuation surface  90 , 90 , but does not extend into the top door rail  30 , 30 . Also, since the hinges  120 , 120  are located distally from the centerline  170 , the doors  10 , 10  rotate outwardly and away from the centerline  170  when the handles  50 , 50  are pushed.  
         [0039]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the displaceable door handle system  5  comprises double doors  10 ,  10 . Elements analogous to those described above with respect to FIGS.  2 - 7  have been numbered accordingly. As before, the doors  10 , 10  are mirror images of each other about centerline  170 . In this embodiment, the handles  50 , 50  are bent (at  80 , 80 ) forming horizontal bars  90 , 90  and vertical bars  100 , 100  that extend downward into bottom door rails  40 , 40 . In addition, a generally 90-degree angle is provided at bends  85 , 85  and each handle extension  105 , 105  extends upward from the actuation surface  90 , 90 , but does not extend into the respective top door rails  30 , 30 .  
         [0040]    In wired embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the handle  50  extends to at least one of the top door rail  30  or the bottom door rail  40 . In a wireless version, the handle  50  optionally may extend to at least one of the header  30  or the footer  40 , but optionally does not so extend.  
         [0041]    In one embodiment, of mechanical switch actuation, the handle  50  is movable in reference to the actuator post  110 . The actuator post  110  is used to actuate a switch assembly within the vertical bar  100  and unlock the door  10 . When sufficient force is applied, the actuator post  110  enters the handle  50  and activates a switch means within the handle&#39;s interior unlocking the door.  
         [0042]    The door  10  is adapted be attached to a door frame  240  by any mounting apparatus. As seen in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a door pivot assembly  115  is provided. In the pivot assembly  115 , the top door rail  30  includes a pivot member  120  extending therefrom and being received in a female pivot receiving plate  125 . A similar or other type of pivoting assembly may also be provided at the bottom of the door  20  as well. Alternatively, the door is hinged by any hinging apparatus at one of its sides, such that it can be opened by rotating using hinge apparatus. Alternatively, the door may be a pocket door in which the door panel  20  may slide into a space (not shown) provided in the door frame.  
         [0043]    According to some embodiments, the panel  20  is a frameless glass panel  20  formed of tempered glass (or any other type of clear material of sufficient strength and structural integrity to serve as a door). However, it should be understood to those of skill in the art that the panel  20  could be made from wood, metal, plastic or other material without departing from the scope of the present invention and that any form of mounting apparatus may be used. As discussed above, any form of assemblies can be used to mount the handle. For example, pivoting assemblies  60 , 70  can be mounted via holes and mechanical securing assembly (such as bolts, screws, posts or any other apparatus of sufficient strength to mount the assemblies) in the door panel  20  that entirely or partially extend through the holes. Alternatively they can be adhesively mounted. Likewise the optional actuator post  110  can be mounted via a hole in the door panel  20 , or alternatively via adhesive.  
         [0044]    In the embodiment shown in FIGS.  10 - 12 , the displaceable door handle system  10  includes an electronic exit control device  180  mounted inside of the vertical bar  100 . As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the exit control device  180  includes a switch assembly  190  and a teeter-totter linkage  210  mounted within tubing  220 . Preferably, the tubing  220  is stainless steel tubing  220  with a high quality finish. According to some embodiments, the switch assembly  190  is a single pole, double throw (“SPDT”) sealed switch  190 , which has a long operational life and includes a waterproof precision body. When the handle  150  is depressed, the switch assembly  190  activates or de-activates a latch or lock assembly  230  located at least partially within door frame conduit  240 .  
         [0045]    As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15, the latch or lock assembly  230  located within header  30  and door frame conduit  240  on top of door  10 . However, as would be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art, the latch or lock  230  may also be located within the header  30  or footer  40  without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the latch or lock assembly  230  comprises an electromagnetic lock  230  includes an electromagnetic component  235  in the door frame conduit  240  and an armature  245  located within header  30 . The armature  245  is dimensioned to fit at least partially within a similarly shaped opening  255  in the electromagnetic component  235 . Activation or deactivation of the assembly  230  causes the armature  245  to disengage from the electromagnetic component  235 , which unlocks the door  10 . The assembly  230  is powered by a power source (not shown) through wires  305  in door frame conduit  240 . According to other embodiments, the electromagnetic lock  230  is activated by a solenoid, wherein the door frame conduit  240  houses a solenoid-activated locking mechanism. In one type of locking mechanism, a latching member (not shown) is retracted by actuation of the locking mechanism. As the latching member is retracted, it is withdrawn from corresponding receiving area in the header  30  or footer  40 , and thereby unlatching or unlocking the system.  
         [0046]    Upon application of a pushing force on handle  50 , the exit control device  180  moves toward the actuator post  110 . When sufficient force is applied, the actuator post  110  enters an aperture  250  in tubing  220  and pushes on a first end  260  of the teeter-totter linkage  210 , which causes a second end  270  of the teeter-totter linkage  210  to depress button  280  activating the switch  190 . The force applied must be large enough to overcome the bias of coil spring  290  and leaf spring  300 .  
         [0047]    According to some embodiments, the switch  190  is an analog switch  190  that sends an analog electronic signal through electrical wires  310 . As best seen in FIGS. 10, 13 and  15 , the wires  310  are threaded through the vertical bar  100 , up through flexible conduit  315 , into header  30  through aperture  325  and wire fastener  335 , laterally through the top door rail  30  toward the hinge  160  side of the door  10 , and then up from the top door rail  30  and into the door frame conduit  240 . The wires  310  then proceed laterally away from the hinge  160  side through the door frame conduit  240  and to the lock  230 . The electronic signal from the switch flows through the wires  310  and activates or de-activates the lock  230 , which causes the door  10  to unlock and be opened. Activating the switch  190  changes the electronic state in the wires  310 , which in turn changes the electronic state in the lock  230  within door frame conduit  240 . In other words, the analog signal is transmitted via the wires  310  from the switch  190  to the lock  230  instructing it to unlock.  
         [0048]    According to other embodiments, the switch  190  acts as an analog/digital converter, whereby pushing on the door handle  50  causes the teeter-totter linkage  210  to activate the switch  190 . In this embodiment, the switch  190  sends a digital signal through the wires  310  to the lock  230 , which is digitally triggered to open.  
         [0049]    With further reference to FIG. 2, the handle  50  is mounted to the glass door panel  20  at a pair of pivot points  60 , 70 . The pivot points  60 , 70  permit the movement of the handle  50  required to activate the switch  190 . As seen in FIG. 14, at pivot point  60 , the handle extension  105  is bent to facilitate attachment to the door  10  via pivot assembly  320 . The pivot assembly  320  includes a pivot member  330  having a pivot base  340  fixedly mounted within the handle extension  105  and a pivot ball  350  pivotally mounted within a socket  360 . An annular flange  370  surrounds the socket  360  preventing air and water from seeping in. The socket  360  may be inserted within a mounting hole  380  drilled into the glass door  10 .  
         [0050]    As seen in FIG. 15, at pivot point  70 , the vertical bar  100  is attached to the header  30  by pivot assembly  390 . Pivot assembly  390  includes a pivot member  400  having a pivot base  410  fixedly mounted within the vertical bar  100  and a pivot ball  420  pivotally mounted within socket  430 . The socket  430  may be attached to the top door rail  30  by conventional means including, but not limited to screws, bolts and adhesive. The wires  310  pass through the vertical bar  100 , through the flexible conduit  315  and into top door rail  30 . The flexible conduit  315  is bendable to allow for movement of the vertical bar  100  when activating the switch  190 .  
         [0051]    In one embodiment an “L” shaped displaceable panic door handle  50  is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In this embodiment a directional force application marker  510  is provided. Any such marker may be used that will give a directional indication. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an optional background or set-apart highlight  520  is provided. In the illustration, this is a flat oval shaped etching, decal, indentation, outline, mark etc. Of course the background or set-apart highlight  520  is optional and none may be used as well. Within the flat oval  520 , a directional force application indicator  510  is provided. Examples are the word “push” or “pull” or an arrow sign or a design of a person in action etc. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 16, the directional force application marker  510  is positioned on the horizontal bar portion  90 , adjacent bend  80 . However, the force application marker  510  can also be positioned at any location on the door handle  50  to provide force directional marking. For example it can be located on the other side of horizontal bar  90 , it can be centered on horizontal bar  90 , on bend  80 , or it can be located at any position on vertical bar  100 . In an example of this aspect of the invention, a panic handle  50  was provided as illustrated in FIG. 16, with the directional force application marker  510  positioned on the horizontal bar  90  slightly off-center and adjacent bend  80 . It was determined that the marker would assist users in operating the handle  50 . A directional force application marker  510  also can be positioned on other shapes of door handles at any desired location, such as on the J-shaped handle of the present invention discussed previously, or the other shaped handles of the present invention and discussed previously.  
         [0052]    Thus, it is seen that a door handle assembly is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the preferred embodiments which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well.