Hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism

A drawer release mechanism has a handle having ends, a cylindrical portion and a flange. A pair of end cap interfaces are engaged to the ends of the handle. The end cap interfaces have rotational shafts, cylindrical receiving portions, receiving slots, and flange slots. A pair of end caps are exterior to the end cap interfaces, the end caps have flange recesses, rotation surfaces, shaft openings, and cam receiving areas, where the rotational shafts are disposed through the shaft openings, the receiving portions are adjacent to the rotation surfaces, and the flange slots are disposed in the flange recesses. The end caps are attached to a drawer. A cam is engaged to each of the rotational shafts. Each cam includes a shaft receiver, an actuator support and a cam actuator. The cams engage levers to release a drawer from a cabinet upon actuation of the handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a handle mechanism as attached to a sliding drawer, where the handle may be lifted/rotated to actuate a latch integral to a cabinet, the handle mechanism being used to release the drawer slide from a secured position relative to the cabinet.

BACKGROUND

Extruded handles which are pivotally engaged to a drawer, drawer slide and cabinet, which have been used to provide access into a drawer, are generally known. The known handle mechanisms are generally engaged to an elongated shaft disposed the entire length in front of the drawer between the sides of a cabinet. The known release mechanisms have been relatively complicated and costly to manufacture, maintain and service.

In addition, the known handles, drawer slides and cabinets, have been difficult to adapt for use in a vehicle due to the inadvertent release of the latching mechanism of the drawers during movement of the vehicle. Unintentional release of the drawer latch results in the sliding of the drawer outwardly from the cabinet, and the spewing of the contents of the drawer within the interior of the vehicle.

All U.S. patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Without limiting the scope of the invention, a brief description of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.

A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism invention uses an elongate handle having opposite ends. Each of the ends are inserted into an end cap interface. Each of the end cap interfaces include a rotation shaft. The rotation shafts are inserted into an opening in a curved receiver of an end cap assembly. The handle is permitted to pivot upwardly and downwardly relative to a drawer through the rotational engagement of the end cap interfaces relative to the curved receivers of the end cap assemblies. A latch actuating cam is non-rotatably secured to the rotation shaft and is disposed behind the curved receiver. The latch actuating cam engages a latch engaged to a drawer slide, which is constructed and arranged to release a drawer from the cabinet, permitting the drawer to be opened through the pulling of a drawer outwardly from the cabinet through the use of the drawer slides.

In one alternative embodiment, the a drawer release mechanism includes a handle having a first end, a second end, a first cylindrical portion proximate to the first end and a second cylindrical portion proximate to the second end.

In another embodiment the handle also includes a grasping edge extending between the first end and the second end and a first flange portion extending outwardly and rearwardly from the cylindrical portion proximate to the first end, and a second flange portion extending outwardly and rearwardly from the cylindrical portion proximate to the second end.

In another embodiment a first end cap interface is engaged to the first end and a second end cap interface is engaged to the second end, the first end cap interface having a first interface rotational shaft, a first cylindrical receiving portion opposite to the first interface rotational shaft, a first handle receiving slot, and a first flange receiving slot.

In another embodiment, the first cylindrical receiving portion releasably engages the first cylindrical portion, the first handle receiving slot releasably engages a portion of the first end, and the first flange receiving slot is releasably engaged to the first flange portion.

In an alternative embodiment the second end cap interface has a second interface rotational shaft, a second cylindrical receiving portion opposite to the second interface rotational shaft, a second handle receiving slot, and a second flange receiving slot.

In another embodiment the second cylindrical receiving portion releasably engages the second cylindrical portion, the second handle receiving slot releasably engages a portion of the second end, and the second flange receiving slot releasably engages the second flange portion.

In another alternative embodiment, a first end cap is proximate and exterior to the first end cap interface, the first end cap having a first end cap flange recess, a first end cap rotation surface, a first shaft opening, and a first rear cam receiving area.

In another alternative embodiment the first interface rotational shaft is disposed through the first shaft opening, the first cylindrical receiving portion is positioned adjacent to the first end cap rotation surface and the first flange receiving slot is disposed in the first end cap flange recess.

In another alternative embodiment a second end cap is proximate and exterior to the second end cap interface, the second end cap having a second end cap flange recess, a second end cap rotation surface, a second shaft opening, and a second rear cam receiving area.

In another alternative embodiment the second interface rotational shaft is disposed through the second shaft opening, the second cylindrical receiving portion is positioned adjacent to the second end cap rotation surface and the second flange receiving slot is disposed in the second end cap flange recess.

In another alternative embodiment the first end cap and the second end cap are constructed and arranged for attachment to the front wall of a drawer

In another alternative embodiment a first cam has a first rotational shaft receiver, a first actuator support, and a first cam actuator extending outwardly from the first actuator support opposite to the first rotational shaft receiver.

In another alternative embodiment the first cam is disposed in the first rear cam receiving area and the first interface rotational shaft is disposed in the first rotational shaft receiver.

In another alternative embodiment a second cam has a second rotational shaft receiver, a second actuator support, and a second cam actuator extending outwardly from the second actuator support opposite to the second rotational shaft receiver.

In another alternative embodiment the second cam is disposed in the second rear cam receiving area and the second interface rotational shaft is disposed in the second rotational shaft receiver.

In another alternative embodiment a first spring is engaged to the first cam and to the first rear cam receiving area and a second spring is engaged to the second cam and to the second rear cam receiving area.

In another alternative embodiment first end cap interface and the second end cap interface are reverse elements relative to each other, the first end cap and the second end cap are reverse elements relative to each other, and the first cam and the second cam are reverse elements relative to each other.

In another alternative embodiment the drawer release mechanism further comprises a central support, the central support being constructed and arranged for attachment to the front wall of the drawer between the first end and the second end.

In another alternative embodiment the central support has a rear wall, a central support flange recess and a central support rotation surface, where the central support flange recess rotatably receives a portion of the first flange or the second flange, and the central support rotation surface rotatably receives a portion of the first cylindrical portion or the second cylindrical portion.

In another alternative embodiment the first end cap further includes a first interior vertical wall, a first intermediate vertical wall and a first exterior vertical wall, where the first shaft opening passes through the first intermediate vertical wall, the first end cap flange recess and the first end cap rotation surface are disposed between the first interior vertical wall and the first intermediate vertical wall.

In another alternative embodiment the first end cap has a first end cap positioning surface below the first end cap rotation surface, and the first rear cam receiving area is located rearwardly of a first end cap front face between the first exterior vertical wall and the first intermediate vertical wall.

In another alternative embodiment the second end cap includes a second interior vertical wall, a second intermediate vertical wall and a second exterior vertical wall, where the second shaft opening passes through the second intermediate vertical wall.

In another alternative embodiment the second end cap flange recess and the second end cap rotation surface are disposed between the second interior vertical wall and the second intermediate vertical wall.

In another alternative embodiment the second end cap has a second end cap positioning surface below the second end cap rotation surface, and the second rear cam receiving area is located rearwardly of a second end cap front face between the second exterior vertical wall and the second intermediate vertical wall.

In another alternative embodiment the first cam includes a first stop having a first ledge, where the first stop descends from at least one of the first rotational shaft receiver, the first actuator support and the first cam actuator.

In another alternative embodiment the second cam has a second stop having a second ledge, where the second stop descends from at least one of the second rotational shaft receiver, the second actuator support and the second cam actuator.

In another alternative embodiment the first end cap has a first lock opening disposed through the first end cap front face, the first lock opening receives a first lock, the first lock having a first block surface, the first lock having a first locking position where the first block surface is disposed proximate to and below the first ledge, the first lock having a first unlocked position wherein the first block surface is rotated downwardly away from the first ledge.

In another alternative embodiment the second end cap has a second lock opening disposed through the second end cap front face, the second lock opening receiving a second lock, the second lock having a second block surface, the second lock having a second locking position where the second block surface is disposed proximate to and below the second ledge, the second lock has a second unlocked position where the second block surface is rotated downwardly away from the second ledge.

In a another alternative embodiment the first cam actuator is positioned proximate to and above a first latch release lever and the second cam actuator is positioned proximate to and above a second latch release lever.

In an alternative embodiment rotation of the handle upwardly from an at rest position moves the first cam actuator downwardly against the first latch release lever and moves the second cam actuator downwardly against the second latch release lever.

In an alternative embodiment the first handle receiving slot has a first interior handle receiving slot surface and the second handle receiving slot has a second interior handle receiving slot surface and further wherein in the at rest position the first interior handle receiving slot surface is disposed proximate to the first end cap positioning surface and the second interior handle receiving slot surface is disposed proximate to the second end cap positioning surface.

In an alternative embodiment the first flange recess has a first upper rotational stop edge and a first lower rotational stop edge and the second flange recess have a second upper rotational stop edge and a second lower rotational stop edge.

In an alternative embodiment the central support flange recess has a support upper rotational stop edge and a support lower rotational stop edge.

In an alternative embodiment the rear wall is horizontal.

In an alternative embodiment the first end cap front face and the second end cap front face have an identical shape.

In an alternative embodiment the shape of the first and second end cap front faces is rectangular.

In an alternative embodiment the shape of the first and second end cap front faces is oval.

In an alternative embodiment the shape of the first and second end cap front faces is bullet shaped.

In an alternative embodiment the handle has at least two outwardly extending ridges defining a handle channel, the handle channel being constructed and arranged for receipt of a label.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism is referred to by numeral6. The hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6is generally engaged to a drawer7having a front wall8.

The hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6preferably includes a handle10having a first handle end12and a second handle end14. Each of the respective first and second handle ends12,14are inserted into a first end cap interface16and a second end cap interface18. In at least one embodiment, the first end cap interface16is rotatably engaged to a first end cap20and the second end cap interface18is rotatably engaged to a second end cap22.

In a preferred embodiment, an interior or central portion of the handle10is disposed within and is pivotal relative to a central support30. The central support30is preferably centrally affixed to the front wall8approximately equal distances between the first handle end12and the second handle end14.

In at least one embodiment as depicted inFIGS. 11, 12 and 15, the handle12includes an upper cylindrical portion24and a flange26. The flange26preferably extends longitudinally along the length of the cylindrical portion24between the first and second handle ends12,14. The flange26also preferably extends rearwardly and normally outwardly from the cylindrical portion24. In at least one embodiment the flange26is not required to be continuous between the first and second ends12,14respectively, and may be formed into flange portions. In at least one embodiment a first flange portion27is proximate to a first handle end12and a second flange portion26is proximate to a second handle end14. In addition a flange portion may also be centrally disposed between the first end12and the second end14for positioning within the central support30.

In at least one embodiment the handle10is continuous between the first end12and second end14having a front face and a lower grasping edge28. The front face may have any height dimension as desired by a user which in some embodiments be larger than 3, 5, or 7 inches and in other embodiments may be smaller than 3, 5, or 7 inches.

In at least one embodiment, the front face of the handle10, may include at least two parallel outwardly extending ridges32defining a channel34therebetween. In some embodiments, channel34may be used to receive a label identifying the contents of the drawer7.

The hybrid drawer and release handle mechanism6includes a first end cap interface16and a second end cap interface18. The first and second end cap interfaces16,18preferably include identical features and functions, and are reverse images relative to each other. The features of the second end cap interface18will be described herein where the features of the first end cap interface16will be identical to the second end interface18.

As may be seen inFIGS. 8, 9, and 10, in one embodiment a second end cap interface18includes an outwardly and normally extending interface rotation shaft36, a cylindrical receiving portion38, a flange receiving slot40, a handle receiving slot42, and a circular positioning ring44surrounding the interface rotational shaft36. The circular positioning ring44is preferably opposite to the cylindrical receiving portion38having a wall therebetween.

The first end cap interface16includes an interface rotation shaft37, a cylindrical receiving portion39, a flange receiving slot41, a handle receiving slot43, and a circular positioning ring44.

First and second end cap interfaces16,18are preferably disposed over a respective first and second handle ends12,14. In both instances the exterior edge of the handle10is inserted into the handle receiving slots42,43; the exterior edge of the cylindrical portion24is inserted into the cylindrical receiving portions38,39; and the exterior edge of the flange26is inserted into the flange receiving slots40,41, releasably securing the first end cap interface16to the first handle end12and the second end cap interface18to the second handle end14. The interface rotational shafts36,37for each of the first and second end cap interfaces16,18extend outwardly and normally from a location which is centered relative to the cylindrical receiving portion38,39of the respective first and second end cap interfaces16,18.

In at least one embodiment the respective interface rotational shafts36,37provide for pivotal manipulation of the handle10relative to a drawer7and the respective first and second end caps20,22.

In at least one embodiment, the handle10is formed of extruded aluminum material. The handle10in alternative embodiments may be formed of plastic, wood, other metallic materials, fiberglass, composite materials and any desired combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first and second end cap interfaces16,18may be formed of plastic, wood, metallic materials, fiberglass, composite materials and combinations thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the forward face of each of the first and second end cap interfaces16,18include parallel outwardly extending ridges32aligned with the ridges32of the face of the handle10.

In a preferred embodiment, the interface rotational shafts36,37include an outer end46and a plurality of interface shaft grooves48. In some embodiments the interface shaft grooves48facilitate engagement with the respective first cam50and second cam52preventing rotational slippage therebetween during use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6.

In at least one embodiment, the interface rotational shafts36,37include a centrally located elongate interface aperture54which extends through an interior wall of the first and second end cap interfaces16,18. The interface aperture54extends through the entire length of the interface rotational shafts36,37.

In another preferred embodiment, as may be seen inFIGS. 9 and 10, the upper exterior portion of the cylindrical receiving portions38,39are curved to reflect the shape of the cylindrical portion24of the handle10.

In some embodiments, a circular interface positioning depression56is located between the circular positioning ring44and the interface rotational shaft36,37. The interface positioning depression56preferably receives the circular end cap alignment guide58of the respective first end cap20or second end cap22during the attachment of the handle10to the first and second end caps20,22.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second end caps20,22preferably include identical features and functions and are reverse images relative to each other. For convenience, the features of the second end cap22will be described herein, where the features of the first end cap20will be identical to the second end cap22.

In at least one embodiment, the first and second end caps20,22may be formed of plastic, wood, metallic materials, fiberglass, composite materials and combinations thereof.

In at least one embodiment as seen inFIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7second end cap22is proximate to the second end cap interface18and includes a flange recess60, an end cap rotational surface62, an end cap positioning surface64, a curved receiver66and an opening68.

The first end cap20is proximate to the first end cap interface16and includes a flange recess61, an end cap rotational surface63, an end cap positioning surface65, a curved receiver66and an opening69.

The second end cap interface18preferably is sized and shaped for positioning of the flange receiving slot40within the flange recess60and the positioning of the exterior surface of the cylindrical receiving portion38within and proximate to the end cap rotational surface62. The interior surface of the handle receiving slot42is also positioned proximate to the end cap positioning surface64following assembly of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6. In this embodiment, the interface rotational shaft36passes through the opening68into the interior of the second end cap22.

The first end cap interface16preferably is sized and shaped for positioning of the flange receiving slot41within the flange recess61and the positioning of the exterior surface of the cylindrical receiving portion39within and proximate to the end cap rotational surface63. The interior surface of the handle receiving slot43is also positioned proximate to the end cap positioning surface65following assembly of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6. In this embodiment, the interface rotational shaft37passes through the opening69into the interior of the first end cap20.

In one embodiment, the flange26as positioned within the flange receiving slot40, and the positioning of the flange receiving slot40within the flange recess60enables the handle10to be pivotally raised and lowered, where the flange26and flange receiving slot40move in an arc within the flange recess60. It should be noted that the upper rotational stop edge138and the lower rotational stop edge140of the flange recess60function as rotational limiting members for the rotation of the handle10during use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6. Further, the end cap rotational surface62functions as a bearing surface for the outer surface of the cylindrical receiving portion38during the raising and lowering of the handle10. In some embodiments the end cap alignment guide58is fully inserted within the interface positioning depression56during use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6.

In one embodiment, the flange27as positioned within the flange receiving slot41, and the positioning of the flange receiving slot41within the flange recess61enables the handle10to be pivotally raised and lowered, where the flange27and flange receiving slot41move in an arc within the flange recess61. It should be noted that the upper rotational stop edge142and the lower rotational stop edge144of the flange recess61function as rotational limiting members for the rotation of the handle10during use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6. Further, the end cap rotational surface63functions as a bearing surface for the outer surface of the cylindrical receiving portion39during the raising and lowering of the handle10. In some embodiments the end cap alignment guide58is fully inserted within the interface positioning depression56during use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6.

As may be seen inFIG. 7the rear of the second end cap22includes a first rectangular portion which includes a plurality of fastener receivers70. The rear surface of the flange recess60may be located adjacent to the fastener receivers70. In some embodiments, fasteners71may pass from the interior of a drawer7outwardly and into the fastener receivers70to order to secure the second end cap22to the exterior surface of the front wall8of the drawer7.

The rear of the first end cap20includes a first rectangular portion which includes a plurality of fastener receivers70. The interior surface of the flange recess61may be seen to be located adjacent to the fastener receivers70. In some embodiments, fasteners71may pass from the interior of a drawer7outwardly and into the fastener receivers70to order to secure the first end cap20to the exterior surface of the front wall8of the drawer7.

Adjacent to a first rectangular portion is located a cam receiving area72,73. During assembly of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6, the first and second cams50,52are located within the cam receiving areas72,73within the interior of the first and second end caps20,22. In at least one embodiment, the lower surface of the first and second end caps20,22may include an access notch74.

As may be seen inFIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5the first and second end caps20,22may include lock cylinder openings78,79which may include internal structure to minimize risk of rotation of a lock cylinder80,81following insertion into the lock cylinder openings78,79. The lock cylinders80,81may be locked or unlocked through the use of a key (not shown). As may be seen inFIG. 16throughFIG. 18, the interior portion of the rear of the lock cylinders80,81include an upwardly extending and inversely orientated u-shaped block82,83. The block82,83may be rotated downwardly approximately 90° when the lock cylinder80,81is manipulated from a locked position to an unlocked position. In some embodiments the block82,83is rotated in clockwise direction and in the other embodiments the block82,83is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction.

In at least one embodiment the block82,83is integral to a body84which encircles and engages the rear end of the lock cylinders80,81. It should be noted that the elements and features described for the first end cap20are identical to the second end cap22, the first end cap20being a reverse image of the second end cap22.

As may be seen inFIGS. 16, 17 and 18in some embodiments the rear surface of first and second intermediate vertical walls120,128may include a block slot150,152to facilitate the rotational movement of the respective catch82,83relative to the rear or interior of the first and second end caps20,22.

In at least one alternative embodiment, a spring86is disposed around the rotational shaft receiver92of the second cam52. A first end88of spring86is disposed within the interior of the second end cap22. A second end90of spring86is engaged to a second cam52within the interior of the second end cap22. A spring87is disposed around the rotational shaft receiver93of the first cam50. A first end88of spring87is disposed within the interior of the first end cap20. A second end90of spring87is engaged to a first cam50within the interior of the first end cap20.

In at least one embodiment, the first and second cams50,52may be formed of plastic, wood, metallic materials, fiberglass, composite materials and combinations thereof.

In at least one embodiment as may be seen inFIGS. 2 and 19a second cam52includes a cylindrical rotational shaft receiver92. The rotational shaft receiver92internally includes a plurality of protrusion members94which are inserted into and couple with the interface shaft grooves48to prevent rotation between the interface rotational shaft36and the second cam52. A first cam50includes a cylindrical rotational shaft receiver93. The rotational shaft receiver93internally includes a plurality of protrusion members94which are inserted into and couple with the interface shaft grooves48to prevent rotation between the interface rotational shaft37and the second cam50.

In at least one embodiment the second cam52includes an upwardly and rearwardly extending actuator support96. At the upper portion of the actuator support96a triangular-shaped cam actuator98extends in a direction opposite to the rotational shaft receiver92. The first cam50includes an upwardly and rearwardly extending actuator support97. At the upper portion of the actuator support97a triangular-shaped cam actuator99extends in a direction opposite to the rotational shaft receiver93.

In some embodiments an L-shaped stop100extends downwardly from the cam actuator98to a position below the rotational shaft receiver92. A ledge102of the L-shaped stop100is positioned directly above the block82when the lock cylinder80is in a locked position. (FIG. 16) The positioning of the ledge102directly above the block82causes the ledge102to contact the upper surface of the block82when the lock cylinder80is in the locked position. Efforts to raise the handle10in the locked position are prohibited because the block82prevents rotation of the ledge102, second cam52, second end cap interface18, and handle10.

Unlocking of the lock cylinder80in one embodiment rotates the block82approximately 90 degrees in a clockwise direction as viewed from the front. (FIG. 17) The rotation of block82creates space directly under ledge102, permitting rotation of handle10, second end cap interface18and second cam52to activate the latch release lever110from the drawer7and slide. (FIG. 18)

In some embodiments an L-shaped stop101extends downwardly from the cam actuator99to a position below the rotational shaft receiver93. A ledge103of the L-shaped stop101is positioned directly above the block83when the lock cylinder81is in a locked position. The positioning of the ledge103directly above the block83causes the ledge103to contact the upper surface of the block83when the lock cylinder81is in the locked position. Efforts to raise the handle10in the locked position are prohibited because the block83prevents rotation of the ledge103, first cam50, first end cap interface16, and handle10.

Unlocking of the lock cylinder81in one embodiment rotates the block83approximately 90 degrees in a clockwise direction. (FIG. 17) The rotation of block83creates space directly under ledge103, permitting rotation of handle10, first end cap interface16and first cam50to activate the latch release lever110from the drawer7and slide. (FIG. 18)

In at least one embodiment the interior end wall of the rotational shaft receiver92and the actuator support96include an aligned and threaded cam fastener passage104. The cam fastener passage104preferably receives a threaded shaft fastener76. The threaded shaft fastener76preferably passes initially through the interior end wall and interface aperture54of the second end cap interface18, through the interface rotational shaft36, through the interior end wall of the rotational shaft receiver92and cam fastener passage104for the second cam52. The shaft fastener76securely attaches the second end cap interface18, the spring86, the second end cap22, and the second cam52to each other. Following the secure attachment of the shaft fastener76to the second end cap interface18, the second cam52, and the second end cap22, the entire second end cap assembly may be attached to the second end14of the handle10.

In at least one embodiment the interior end wall of the rotational shaft receiver93and the actuator support97include an aligned and threaded cam fastener passage104. The cam fastener passage104preferably receives a threaded shaft fastener76. The threaded shaft fastener76preferably passes initially through the interior end wall and interface aperture54of the first end cap interface16, through the interface rotational shaft37, through the interior end wall of the rotational shaft receiver93and cam fastener passage104for the first cam50. The shaft fastener76securely attaches the first end cap interface16, the spring87, the first end cap20, and the first cam50to each other. Following the secure attachment of the shaft fastener76to the first end cap interface16, the first cam50, and the first end cap20, the entire first end cap assembly may be attached to the first end12of the handle10.

In at least one embodiment, the exterior surface of the first end cap20and the second end cap22are oval/curved in shape towards the exterior of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6. The first end cap20and the second end cap22may be curved in shape to facilitate the outward and downward deflection of a dropped item striking the top of the first end cap20or second end cap22, outwardly away from an individual or an individual's feet. The exterior shape and the top of the first and second end caps20,22may be of any shape as desired to deflect dropped items in a desired direction relative to the front of the drawer7. In some embodiments the first and second end caps20,22may be oval, round, curved, rectangular, square and/or multisided at the preference of an individual.

In at least one embodiment, as may be seen inFIGS. 2 and 19the cam actuator98is similar in shape to a triangular prism where the lower surface is disposed adjacent to and immediately above a latch release lever110. The upward elevation of the lower grasping edge28of the handle10provides rotational movement which is translated into downward movement of the lower surface of the cam actuator98, to depress the cam actuator98onto the top of the latch release lever110. The downward manipulation of the latch release lever110in turn releases a latch permitting the drawer7to be retracted outwardly from a cabinet into an open position through the use of drawer slides as engaged to the opposite sides of the drawer7.

In at least one embodiment, as may be seen inFIGS. 2 and 19the cam actuator99is similar in shape to a triangular prism where the lower surface is disposed adjacent to and immediately above a latch release lever110. The upward elevation of the lower grasping edge28of the handle10provides rotational movement which is translated into downward movement of the lower surface of the cam actuator99, to depress the cam actuator99onto the top of the latch release lever110. The downward manipulation of the latch release lever110in turn releases a latch permitting the drawer7to be retracted outwardly from a cabinet into an open position through the use of drawer slides as engaged to the opposite sides of the drawer7.

In at least one embodiment as shown inFIG. 12throughFIG. 15, the central support30includes a central support flange recess106and a central support rotational surface108. The central support flange recess106and central support rotational surface108may be generally formed in the shape of a “C”.

In some embodiments, the central support30is of one-piece construction having a horizontal rear wall112. The horizontal rear wall112is preferably affixed to the front wall8of the drawer7. In at least one embodiment, the central support30has a lower angle edge and an upper curved edge to facilitate the use of the hybrid drawer handle and release mechanism6with the drawer7.

In at least one embodiment, the central support30may be formed of plastic, wood, metallic materials, fiberglass, composite materials and combinations thereof.

In at least one embodiment the upper portion of the central support30is disposed proximate to the top of the handle10and the front wall8. The central support30includes a bottom edge which transitions into an angled exterior edge114which extends vertically and angularly upward and outwardly from the bottom and terminates at the lower central support rotation surface108. The central support rotation surface108is curved having the same shape as the cylindrical portion24of the handle10. The central support30further includes an upper central support rotation surface108which is curved having the same shape as the cylindrical portion24of the handle10. The cylindrical portion24of the handle10is disposed between the lower central support rotation surface108and the upper central support rotation surface108. During use the cylindrical portion24may be rotated relative to the lower and upper central support rotation surface108. The central support flange recess106preferably extends rearwardly towards the front wall8of the drawer7between the lower and upper central support rotation surface108. The flange26of the handle10is disposed in the central support flange recess106and rotates upwardly and downwardly within the central support flange recess106during the elevation and downward release of the handle10. The central support30may also include an outwardly and downwardly arched upper edge116which terminates proximate to the upper central support rotation surface108.

In at least one embodiment, during assembly of the second end cap22, the first step is to place the central portion of the spring86over the rotational shaft receiver92of the second cam52. Also the central portion of the spring87is placed over the rotational shaft receiver93of the first cam50for the first end cap20.

The second step is to insert the second cam52and spring86into the cam receiving area72of the rear portion of the second end cap22. The rotational shaft receiver92is aligned with and is disposed adjacent to the interior of opening68. In addition, the second end90of the spring86is engaged to the upper surface of the second cam52. In some embodiments the engagement of the second end90of the spring86to the second cam52and the insertion and alignment of the rotational shaft receiver92with the opening68loads the spring86and the second cam52with an initial amount of at rest tension. Also the first cam50and the spring87are inserted into the cam receiving area73of the rear portion of the first end cap20. The rotational shaft receiver93is aligned with and is disposed adjacent to the interior of opening69. In addition, the second end90of the spring87is engaged to the upper surface of the first cam50. In some embodiments the engagement of the second end90of the spring87to the first cam50and the insertion and alignment of the rotational shaft receiver93with the opening69loads the spring87and the first cam50with an initial amount of at rest tension.

The third step is to insert the interface rotational shaft36through the opening68and into the rotational shaft receiver92. In this position, the end cap alignment guide58will be inserted into the interface positioning depression56. The circular positioning ring44will be exterior and adjacent to the end cap alignment guide58. The flange receiving slot40will be disposed in the flange recess60. The exterior surface of the cylindrical receiving portion38will be disposed adjacent to the end cap rotational surfaces62. The handle receiving slot42will be positioned adjacent to the end cap positioning surface64. The protrusion members94will be disposed within the interface shaft grooves48. Also the interface rotational shaft37is inserted through the opening69and into the rotational shaft receiver93. In this position, the end cap alignment guide58will be inserted into the interface positioning depression56. The circular positioning ring44will be exterior and adjacent to the end cap alignment guide58. The flange receiving slot41will be disposed in the flange recess61. The exterior surface of the cylindrical receiving portion39will be disposed adjacent to the end cap rotational surfaces63. The handle receiving slot43will be positioned adjacent to the end cap positioning surface65. The protrusion members95will be disposed within the interface shaft grooves48.

The fourth step will be to insert the lock cylinder80into the lock cylinder opening78and to attach the block82to the interior end of the lock cylinder80positioning the block82below the ledge102of the L-shaped stop100. Also the lock cylinder81will be inserted into the lock cylinder opening79and to attach the block83to the interior end of the lock cylinder81positioning the block83below the ledge103of the L-shaped stop101.

The fifth step will be to insert the second handle end14into the handle receiving slot42, the cylindrical portion24into the cylindrical receiving portion38, and the flange26into the flange receiving slot40, securing the second handle end14to the second end cap assembly22. Also the first handle end12will be inserted into the handle receiving slot43, the cylindrical portion25into the cylindrical receiving portion39, and the flange27into the flange receiving slot41, securing the first handle end12to the first end cap assembly20.

The sixth step involves the placement of the central support30adjacent to the front wall8approximately equal distances between the first handle end12and second handle end14. Fasteners71may then be used for placement from the interior of the drawer7outwardly through the front wall8and into the horizontal rear wall112of the central support30at a desired elevation on the front wall7.

The seventh step involves placement of the flange26into the central support flange recess106and the positioning of the cylindrical portion24adjacent to the central support rotational surface108.

The eighth step involves the placement of the drawer handle10and first and second end caps20,22respectively against the exterior surface of the front wall8. Fasteners71may then be used from the interior of the drawer7outwardly through the front wall8and into the fastener receivers70of the respective first and second end caps20,22to secure the handle10and first and second end caps20,22to the front wall8. In this step, the cam actuators98,99are placed above the respective latch release levers110. In this step, the access notch74may be used to facilitate positioning of the cam actuators98,99above the respective latch release levers110. Alternatively, the access notch74may be used to allow an individual to manipulate the latch release levers110downwardly for positioning below the cam actuators98,99and then to release the latch release levers110for upward positioning adjacent to the cam actuators98,99when a desired alignment has been obtained.

The latch release levers110are engaged to a latch (not shown) which is attached to the respective drawer slides and sides of the cabinet. The upward lifting/elevation of the lower grasping edge28transfers rotation motion through the interface rotation shafts36,37and to the rotational shaft receivers92,93. In turn, the rotational motion of the first and second cams50,52is translated into downward motion to the cam actuators98,99and onto the top of the latch release levers110. The downward motion of the cam actuators98,99on the latch release levers110, disengages the sides of the drawer or the slides of the drawer7from the latch and the cabinet, allowing the drawer7to be retracted outwardly on the sliding side rails.

The elevation of the lower grasping edge28of the handle10and rotation of the interface rotation shafts36,37and rotational shaft receivers92,93exerts additional coiling force or tension on the springs86,87. Once the drawer7has been released from the cabinet and slid outwardly relative thereto, the lower grasping edge28of the handle10may be released. The release of the handle10permits the springs86,87to relieve force or tension an return the lower grasping edge28downwardly to the at rest position. Simultaneously to the return of the lower grasping edge28from a raised position to a lowered at rest position, the cam actuators98,99return from a downwardly depressed position on the latch release levers110to an upper at rest position. In addition, the uncoiling of the springs86,87rotates the rotational shaft receivers92,93and interface rotation shafts36,37in a reverse direction returning to the initial at rest position.

In at least one embodiment, the handle10is not required to be manipulated to close a drawer7which may be pushed back into a latched position relative to a cabinet. In another embodiment, the lower grasping edge28is required to be elevated during the insertion of the drawer7into the cabinet to engage the latching assembly.

In a non-locking version of the drawer handle and release mechanism6a plug may be used for insertion within the lock cylinder openings78,79.

In some embodiments a marker plate may be substituted for a label for attachment to the face of the handle10. The width between the ridges32may be two inches when the face of the drawer7is five inches in dimension.

In some embodiments the rear surfaces of the first and second end caps20,22and/or the central support30may incorporate a slight recess and a screw chase which allows for the use of either a mechanical fastener, self-tapping screw, or a high strength/bond tape to mount the first and second end caps20,22and/or the central support30to the drawer7.

In some embodiments the first and second end caps20,22encapsulate the first and second cams50,52, the shaft fastener76, as well as the first and second lock cylinders80,81from the environment protecting against corrosion. It should be noted that the shape of the end caps20,22may have any ergonomic shape or esthetic appearance at the preference of an individual.

In a first alternative embodiment, a drawer release mechanism6includes a handle10having a first end12, a second end14, a first cylindrical portion24proximate to the first end12and a second cylindrical portion25proximate to the second end14, a grasping edge28extending between the first end12and the second end14and a first flange portion26extending outwardly and rearwardly from the cylindrical portion proximate to the first end, and a second flange portion27extending outwardly and rearwardly from the cylindrical portion24proximate to the second end14, a first end cap interface16engaged to the first end12and a second end cap interface18engaged to the second end14, the first end cap interface16having a first interface rotational shaft36, a first cylindrical receiving portion38opposite to the first interface rotational shaft36, a first handle receiving slot42, and a first flange receiving slot40, the first cylindrical receiving portion38releasably engaging the first cylindrical portion24, the first handle receiving slot42releasably engaging a portion of the first end12, and the first flange receiving slot40releasably engaging the first flange portion26, the second end cap interface18having a second interface rotational shaft37, a second cylindrical receiving portion39opposite to the second interface rotational shaft36, a second handle receiving slot43, and a second flange receiving slot41, the second cylindrical receiving portion39releasably engaging the second cylindrical portion25, the second handle receiving slot43releasably engaging a portion of the second end14, and the second flange receiving slot40releasably engaging the second flange portion27, a first end cap20proximate and exterior to the first end cap interface16, the first end cap20having a first end cap flange recess60, a first end cap rotation surface62, a first shaft opening68, and a first rear cam receiving area72, the first interface rotational shaft36being disposed through the first shaft opening68, the first cylindrical receiving portion38being positioned adjacent to the first end cap rotation surface62and the first flange receiving slot40being disposed in the first end cap flange recess60, a second end cap22proximate and exterior to the second end cap interface, the second end cap having a second end cap flange recess, a second end cap rotation surface18, a second shaft opening69, and a second rear cam receiving area73, the second interface rotational shaft37being disposed through the second shaft opening69, the second cylindrical receiving portion39being positioned adjacent to the second end cap rotation surface63and the second flange receiving slot41being disposed in the second end cap flange recess61, the first end cap20and the second end cap22being constructed and arranged for attachment to the front wall8of a drawer7, a first cam50, the first cam50having a first rotational shaft receiver92, a first actuator support96, and a first cam actuator98extending outwardly from the first actuator support96opposite to the first rotational shaft receiver92, the first cam50being disposed in the first rear cam receiving area72, the first interface rotational shaft36being disposed in the first rotational shaft receiver92, a second cam52, the second cam52having a second rotational shaft receiver93, a second actuator support97, and a second cam actuator99extending outwardly from the second actuator support97opposite to the second rotational shaft receiver93, the second cam52being disposed in the second rear cam receiving area73, the second interface rotational shaft37being disposed in the second rotational shaft receiver93, and a first spring86engaged to the first cam50and to the first rear cam receiving area72and a second spring87engaged to the second cam52and to the second rear cam receiving area73.

In a second alternative embodiment according to the first alternative embodiment, the first end cap interface16and the second end cap interface18are reverse elements relative to each other, the first end cap20and the second end cap22are reverse elements relative to each other, and the first cam50and the second cam52are reverse elements relative to each other.

In a third alternative embodiment according to the second alternative embodiment, the drawer release mechanism6further comprises a central support30, the central support being constructed and arranged for attachment to the front wall8of the drawer7between the first end12and the second end14, the central support30having a rear wall112, a central support flange recess106and a central support rotation surface108, the central support flange recess106rotatably receiving a portion of the first flange26or the second flange27, and the central support rotation surface108rotatably receiving a portion of the first cylindrical portion24or the second cylindrical portion25.

In a fourth alternative embodiment according to the third alternative embodiment the first end cap50further comprises a first interior vertical wall118, a first intermediate vertical wall120and a first exterior vertical wall122, wherein the first shaft opening68passes through the first intermediate vertical wall120, the first end cap flange recess60and the first end cap rotation surface62are disposed between the first interior vertical wall118and the first intermediate vertical wall120, the first end cap50having a first end cap positioning surface64below the first end cap rotation surface62, and further wherein the first rear cam receiving area72is located rearwardly of a first end cap front face124between the first exterior vertical wall122and the first intermediate vertical wall120.

In a fifth alternative embodiment according to the fourth alternative embodiment, the second end cap52further comprising a second interior vertical wall126, a second intermediate vertical wall128and a second exterior vertical wall130, wherein the second shaft opening passes69through the second intermediate vertical wall128, the second end cap flange recess61and the second end cap rotation surface63are disposed between the second interior vertical wall126and the second intermediate vertical wall128, the second end cap52having a second end cap positioning surface65below the second end cap rotation surface63, and further wherein the second rear cam receiving area73is located rearwardly of a second end cap front face132between the second exterior vertical wall130and the second intermediate vertical wall128.

In a sixth alternative embodiment according to the fifth alternative embodiment, the first cam50further comprises a first stop100having a first ledge102, the first stop100descending from at least one of the first rotational shaft receiver92, the first actuator support96and the first cam actuator98.

In a seventh alternative embodiment according to the sixth alternative embodiment, the second cam52further comprises a second stop101having a second ledge103, the second stop101descending from at least one of the second rotational shaft receiver93, the second actuator support97and the second cam actuator99.

In an eighth alternative embodiment according to the seventh alternative embodiment, the first end cap50has a first lock opening78disposed through the first end cap front face124, the first lock opening78receiving a first lock80, the first lock80having a first block surface82, the first lock80having a first locking position wherein the first block surface82is disposed proximate to and below the first ledge102, the first lock80having a first unlocked position wherein the first block surface82is rotated downwardly away from the first ledge102.

In a ninth alternative embodiment according to the eighth alternative embodiment, the second end cap52has a second lock opening79disposed through the second end cap front face132, the second lock opening79receiving a second lock81, the second lock81having a second block surface83, the second lock81having a second locking position wherein the second block surface83is disposed proximate to and below the second ledge103, the second lock81having a second unlocked position wherein the second block surface83is rotated downwardly away from the second ledge103.

In a tenth alternative embodiment according to the ninth alternative embodiment, the first cam actuator98is positioned proximate to and above a first latch release lever110and the second cam actuator99is positioned proximate to and above a second latch release lever111.

In an eleventh alternative embodiment according to the tenth alternative embodiment, rotation of the handle10upwardly from an at rest position moves the first cam actuator98downwardly against the first latch release lever110and moves the second cam actuator99downwardly against the second latch release lever111.

In a twelfth alternative embodiment according to the eleventh alternative embodiment, the first handle receiving slot42has a first interior handle receiving slot surface134and the second handle receiving slot43has a second interior handle receiving slot surface136and further wherein in the at rest position the first interior handle receiving slot surface134is disposed proximate to the first end cap positioning surface64and the second interior handle receiving slot surface136is disposed proximate to the second end cap positioning surface65.

In a thirteenth alternative embodiment according to the twelfth alternative embodiment, the first flange recess60has a first upper rotational stop edge138and a first lower rotational stop edge140and the second flange recess61has a second upper rotational stop edge142and a second lower rotational stop edge144.

In a fourteenth alternative embodiment according to the thirteenth alternative embodiment, the central support flange recess106has a support upper rotational stop edge146and a support lower rotational stop edge148.

In a fifteenth alternative embodiment according to the fourteenth alternative embodiment, the rear wall112is horizontal.

In a sixteenth alternative embodiment according to the fifteenth alternative embodiment, the first end cap front face124and the second end cap front face132have an identical shape.

In a seventeenth alternative embodiment according to the sixteenth alternative embodiment, said shape is rectangular.

In an eighteenth alternative embodiment according to the seventeenth alternative embodiment, the shape is oval.

In a nineteenth alternative embodiment according to the eighteenth alternative embodiment, the shape is bullet shaped.

In a twentieth alternative embodiment according to the nineteenth alternative embodiment, the handle10has at least two outwardly extending ridges32defining a handle channel34, the handle channel34being constructed and arranged for receipt of a label.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. The various elements shown in the individual figures and described above may be combined or modified for combination as desired. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to”.