Abstract:
A handle that is extendable and retractable to minimize interference with window decorations and having a feature, which allows removal and attachment of the handle from the crank of the window operator without the use of tools. The handle is removable from the window operator though the use of either a clip lock feature or a spring lock clip both of which can be top down assembled with the minimum of effort and complexity.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The field of the invention is operator handle mechanisms, and more specifically folding and removable operating handles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Manually operated windows, such as manually operated casement windows require the use of a mechanism called a window operator, that effects movement of the window sash relative to the window frame, for opening and closing of the window. There exists at present many types of mechanisms for opening windows. One such mechanism consists of a window operator driven by a handle (or crank) mounted to the windowpane. Such handle, however, while being essential to the operation of the opening function is a problem.  
           [0003]    Window operators of this type typically have a handle or crank that engages with a rotate-able drive shaft that engages a linkage causing movement of the window sash. In operation, the user rotates the handle, which in turn rotates the drive shaft causing movement of the linkage attached to open and close the window.  
           [0004]    It is desirable for the user to have easy access to the window&#39;s operator handle. To have easy access to the window&#39;s operator handle, the tip of the handle that is held by the user will typically extend the maximum possible distance outward from the window frame and not obstruct the motion of the user&#39;s hand.  
           [0005]    When the window is not being operated, regardless of the position of the window, and when it is desirable to close the window&#39;s decoration such as blinds and/or curtains the user would desire to move the handle position without moving the window position. Therefore it is necessary to have the window&#39;s operator “handle” stowed out of the way, such that it does not substantially extend outward from the window frame as to obstruct the window&#39;s decor. Indeed, any type of interior decoration for a window is faced with the problem of the presence of such handles due principally to the space that it occupies on the interior side of the window. Curtains and/or blinds will be caught in the handles, which is a hindrance continuously met by users, decoration professionals, and designers of windows or window hardware.  
           [0006]    Operator&#39;s “handles” of the past; have been developed that can be “folded is down” from an operable position for rotation to be stored into a position adjacent to the operator cover, as well as, having a strong enough holding “detent” to aid the retention of the handle in either the opened and/or closed position, so when the users folds and places the handle as desired the position the handle will stay and not adversely move. A “set screw” has been the norm for securing the “handle” to the drive shaft of the operator.  
           [0007]    However, known handles that are capable of adequately clearance and retention (folded down &amp; detents) are then typically secured to the drive shaft with non-forgiving and costly to manufacture “set screw” arrangement. All know handles of this type need to have a requirement (set screws or other) so that the handle can be removed and re-positioned several times as to set the handle at a resting and final desired (adjacent or clearance) position.  
           [0008]    More so, during new installation or during the ageing life of the window and it&#39;s components, such as seals, linkages, etc. change dimension and clearances so that the operator&#39;s handles will not end up at the same ending rotation as desired, and thus the “adequate adjacent handle clearance” will be lost until the “handle” is removed from the drive shaft and repositioned.  
           [0009]    Other problems faced are that the user highly desires the handle to fold and to have adequate detent and/or retention resistance as to stay in the proper desired position, either during operation or at rest throughout the life of the product. While most known handles have “set screws” to secure and maintain the proper relationship to the drive shaft, other known handles are so designed as to have an “snap off” feature in place of the “set screw”. However, known handles that can “snap off” for re-positioning due to cost and design constrains forgo the “fold down” feature. Furthermore, while the ease of removal is met with the “snap off” type “handles”, they are deficient because they lack the secured clamping force given by a “set screw” type “handles”.  
           [0010]    These types of handles having further problem like, while in an effort to ‘clear’ decoration, and having adequate detent as to not move when the window is at the closed position, there is need to remove and reposition the handle several times, both during the first installation, and then during the life of the product. More so, it is this re-movable feature that indeed is highly desirable so that the handle can be positioned at the most effective angle relative to the window decor. And finally the age old problem of cost verse all these features.  
           [0011]    Accordingly, there is a need and desire for a window&#39;s operator “handle” to not only be capable of “fold down” for clearance, and have the capacity of a secured “detent” to prevent unintentional collapse during rotation, there is a need and desire for a “fold down-detent” handle as a window operator to be so configured to provide secured clamping to the drive shaft of the window&#39;s operator and improve on the costly and non-forgiving method, employed either by a “snap on” or “set screw”.  
           [0012]    Further, there is a need and desire for a “fold down-detent” handle as a window operator that can be so configured to provide an “easy off” feature to omit the “set screw” and thus omit the costly manufacturing of, or the tool needed to manipulate, the “set screw”, and still maintain a variety of aesthetically pleasing handle appearances and shapes.  
           [0013]    Furthermore, there is a need and desire for a “fold down-detent-easy off” handle, as a window operator that is compact, stylist and manufacture-able at a relatively low cost, while providing for substantial wear resistance and reliable use.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention relates to a casement window operator. The “handle” of this window operator is securable to a window operators drive shaft. The handle is collapsible from an operable position to a storage position.  
           [0015]    The components that make up the window operator&#39;s handle includes a “base”, a “handle (with knob)” a “base retainer clip” and “drive shaft clip” so configured as to engage the window operator&#39;s drive shaft to meet the desired features of a “low cost-fold down-detent-easy off-handle”.  
           [0016]    The present invention is so configured as to be two different embodiments, both with the feature of a “low cost-fold down-detent-easy off” handle. The first embodiment is an ingenious design which results in low cost by design in manufacturing and assembly wherein said embodiment, “folds down”, having both a open and closed “detent”, and so configured to have a button shape built into the “drive shaft clip”, where the user must push the button to release the retention of the “handle” relative to the operator&#39;s drive shaft, so now, the “handle” can be hand removed and repositioned. This embodiment will be referred to as a “low cost-fold down-detent-clip off” folding “handle”.  
           [0017]    The second embodiment is also; low cost by design, “folds down”, having both a open and closed “detent”, and so configured to have a “snap off feature, where the user has to hand pull against the resistance of the snap to release the retention to the drive shaft, the “handle” can now be hand removed and repositioned, and will be referred to as a “low cost-fold down-detent-snap off” folding “handle”.  
           [0018]    Both embodiments are so configured to have the same “handle” and “base retainer”, where the “base” differs slightly in design, as to be fitted with two different “drive shaft clips”, one for “clip on” and one for “snap on”.  
           [0019]    Further, in both embodiments the “drive shaft clip” is inserted into their respective “base”, whereby the “base” is held down and in place into the “handle” by the “base retainer clip”.  
           [0020]    Furthermore, in both embodiments when the “handle” is in the operating position the “drive shaft clip” is always firmly pressing against the drive shaft of the window&#39;s operation, keeping the “handle” firmly in place.  
           [0021]    These embodiments as with other known “folding handles”, will incorporate at one end a “pin” and “knob” sub-assembly, allowing the handle to have a swivel knob feature, but the other end differs in both design and function to other known “folding handles”, where the “side pin”, and/or “metal spring”, and a “metal set screw” or “metal snap clip” as been removed.  
           [0022]    The advantages over other known “folding handle” lie in the sub and component assembly, like the omission of the “side pin”, “spring” and “set screw”. The complexity and time consumption in staking assemblies that “side” install and install “under preload” due to the components generally requires special equipment, adding complexity to the overall installation and increasing final assembly cost because of this complexity.  
           [0023]    The method of “drop down” and assembling “under no pre-load” of components into the “handle”, improves the overall ease of manufacturing the product along with cost reduction associated.  
           [0024]    More so, the present invention using a configuration of internal components that make up “the handle assemble” are the, “base”, “a handle, optionally with a knob”, “a base retainer clip”, and “a drive shaft clip”, as to engage the window operator&#39;s drive shaft to meet the desired features of a “low cost-fold down-detent-easy off-handle”.  
           [0025]    The “handle” is so configured as to accommodate the “base”, the “handle&#39;s knob”, the “base retainer clip”, and the “drive shaft clip”. The “handle” may be cast with several features like a pair of slots for the “base” to rest and a configured area for retaining the “base retainer clip”, allowing the “base” to pivot without the need of a “side pin”, thus eliminating the costly assembly inherent in known designs.  
           [0026]    Furthermore, the “handle” may be so configured and cast to have adequate enough space for “top down” assembly, allowing the “base” and “base and retainer clip” to be staked without the need of a pre-load on the assembly. The invention&#39;s optional “handle” construction and casting, omits the need for a precise side cored hole or required machining of a precise side hole, furthermore the “handle” may be cast in a simple “top down” direction, as to be the fastest, least expensive possible method of manufacturing. The “base” may also be configured as to have two external inline diameter bosses, where these bosses are the ‘pivoting pin’ for the “base” and are located and retained by the “base retainer clip” at the bottom of a pair of slots in the “handle”.  
           [0027]    Additionally, the “base” may be optionally configured to integrally form a pair of ‘wings’ that engage with the “base retainer clip”, preferably at two locations, for the purpose of enacting resistance by ‘detent’ force, when the “handle” is folded down or up position. The optional ‘wings’ deflect and snap onto a landing formed into the “base retainer clip” and act as a positive tactile indication that the handle is in the respective position.  
           [0028]    The “base” may also be so configured as a simple cast part having a pair of slots capable of retaining and allowing the “drive shaft clip” to fit and function as the retainer to the drive shaft of an window operator. More so, the main feature of the “base” may be configured and cast as to be the driving receptacle for the window operators drive shaft.  
           [0029]    This invention provides an advantage over known “internal components” in that it is made by the “base” being of a simple cast configuration and handling three functions in one, that being the “pivot point—drive locking receptacle and detent spring” while maintaining a “top down” assembly feature, as to be the fastest, least expensive possible method of manufacturing. The “base retainer clip” may be configured to be a simple formed metal part, to serve the function of retaining the “base” in the “handle”, while interacting with the “base&#39;s” wings to form two detents when the “handle” is folded up or down position.  
           [0030]    Furthermore the “base retainer clip” may be configured as to hook onto the is “base&#39;s” inline ‘diameter bosses’ and snap over the ‘wings’ as a pre-assembly, allowing these two components to be installed into the “handle” top down and without pre-load.  
           [0031]    This invention is superior over other known typical “internal components” would be the difference of “formed spring steel” verse standard “steel” to make a retainer clip, and as so configured while maintaining a “top down” assembly feature, and therefore the fastest method of manufacturing.  
           [0032]    The “drive shaft clip” that replaces “set screw” designs, is so configured as to replace the costly “set screw” style of retaining handle on the operators drive shaft. The “drive shaft clip”, which may be configured and simply cast to have a button shape on one end, and a two ‘fork’ arrangement protruding opposite the button.  
           [0033]    Furthermore, the “drive shaft clip”, may be configured so that the forks&#39; extends through, and are contained by the “base” and will come in contact with the “handle” when the handle is lifted into use. This lifting action pushes the ‘forks’ so that an area on the ‘forks’ locks and wedges against the operator&#39;s drive shaft. More so, when the user desires to release the “handle assembly” for the operator&#39;s drive shaft, no tools are needed, the users simply tilts the “handle” allowing clearance for the “drive shaft clip&#39;s” ‘forks’ to be ‘moved to’, and the user needs only to push the button end of the “drive shaft clip” so that the wedge retained by the ‘forks’ against the operator&#39;s drive shaft will be released.  
           [0034]    Therefore the “drive shaft clip” that replaces the known “set screw” design, has several advantages over a “set screw”, foremost by not requiring that a costly threaded hole be place into the “base” and that a “set screw” if not tighten currently damage will result to the operator&#39;s drive shaft. Furthermore, with this invention&#39;s configuration each time the handle is lifted into use, the ‘wedge effect’ results, locking and securing the “handle assembly” against the operator&#39;s drive shaft. More so, at the desire of the user the “handle assembly” can be quickly and easily removed without damage to the operator&#39;s drive shaft and without the need of extra tools.  
           [0035]    In one embodiment the “drive shaft clip” that replaces “snap off” designs, is so configured as to replace the costly ‘spring steel’ clip that requires a secondary staking operation in the known “base” that houses the assembly. Further, the “drive shaft clip”, is so configured and simply cast to have two ‘forks’ protruding from one end and a solid surface opposite the forks.  
           [0036]    Furthermore, the “drive shaft clip”, is so configured so that the ‘forks’ extends through, and are contained by the “base” while the solid surface end comes in contact with the “handle”, insomuch that when the handle is lifted into use the ‘forks’ locks and wedges against the operator&#39;s drive shaft. More so, when the user desires to release the “handle assembly” for the operator&#39;s drive shaft, no tools are needed, the users simply tilts the “handle” allowing clearance for the “drive shaft clip&#39;s” ‘forks’ to be non-containing about the drive shaft, user needs only to lift the handle off the operator&#39;s drive shaft with a low force detent effect.  
           [0037]    The “drive shaft clip” that replaces the known “snap off” designs has several advantages over a steel “snap off” clip, foremost by not requiring that a costly “spring steel” component be staked into the “base”. Further, that a steel “snap off” clip is never securely tightened to the operator&#39;s drive shaft, insomuch that the is “handle assembly” can pop off unintentionally by the user. This invention is configured, so that each time the handle is lifted into use, the ‘wedge effect’ and not the “snap off” feature is the result, locking and securing the “handle assemble” against the operator&#39;s drive shaft during use. More so, at the desire of the user the “handle assembly” can be quickly and easily removed without damage to the operator&#39;s drive shaft and without the need of extra tools. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0038]    [0038]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the snap-on drive shaft clip.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 2 is an end view of the snap-on drive shaft clip.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 3 is a top view of the snap-on drive shaft clip.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 4 is a side view of the snap-on drive shaft clip.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 5 is a top view of the handle clip.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 6 is a side view of the handle clip.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the handle clip.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 8 is an end view of the handle clip.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 9 is a cut away view of the handle.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 10 is a side view of the handle.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 11 is a top view of the handle.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the handle.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 13 is an internal view of the handle.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 14 is a side view of the snap base.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the snap base.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 16 is a front view of the snap base.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the snap base.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 18 is a top view of the worm clip.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 19 is a side view of the worm clip.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the worm clip.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 21 is an end view of the worm clip.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 22 is a side view of the clip base.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the clip base.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 24 is a front view of the clip base.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the clip base. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0063]    In one embodiment as displayed in FIGS.  1 - 17 , a handle  30  wherein a handle clip  20  interacts with a snap base  40 . Handle clip  20  rotatably affixes said snap-base  40  to the underside  32  of said handle. A snap-on shaft clip  10  is positioned within snap base  40 .  
         [0064]    FIGS.  1 - 4  displays a snap-on shaft clip  10  positioned within a snap base  40  as displayed in FIGS.  14 - 17 , wherein said snap-on shaft clip  10  allows a handle  30  as displayed in FIGS.  9 - 13 , to be moveable between a position in which said snap base  40  is capable of engaging a window crank  70  to engage said linkage to cause movement of said sash, and through an application of a line of force substantially perpendicular to a rotation of said rotatable drive shaft, to a second position which is capable of allowing release of said handle  30  and a subsequent reattachment of said handle  30  in preferred positions upon said rotatable drive shaft  70  of said window operator without using any tools.  
         [0065]    FIGS.  1 - 4  displays the snap-on shaft clip  10 , which is shaped to fit into a snap base receiving slot  46  as displayed in FIGS.  16 - 17 , which positions the snap-on shaft clip  10  to interact with window crank  70  as displayed in FIG. 15. The resiliently biased snap-on wing  12  allows window crank  70  having a splined end  72  to pass through opening  14  having a diameter less than splined end  72 , which is positioned between at least one snap-on wing  12  and a second snap-on wing  13 , or one snap-on wing  12  and the snap base spline  48  or snap base entrance lip  49 .  
         [0066]    FIGS.  1 - 4  and  14 - 17  displays that the snap-on wing  12  has exit incline  15  and entrance incline  16  which transitions the wing diameter between an opening  14  greater than snap base spline  48  diameter till it reaches snap-on wing  12  opening diameter which is less than the snap base spline  48  providing a ramping of force for smooth transition between handle attached and unattached conditions. Handle  30  interacts with snap base spline  48  through its rotatable connection to underside  32  via handle clip  20 . When handle  30  is in an unattached condition the user may position handle in desired location in relation to the position of the windowpane. Once properly positioned user directs a force through handle  30  along a line substantially perpendicular to the rotation of window crank  70 .  
         [0067]    When the user applies force (pushing the base of handle towards the window operator) to the properly positioned handle  30  the splined end  72  of window crank  70  comes in contact with at least one entrance incline  16 . As force is applied to handle  30  it causes splined end  72  to deflect snap-on wing  12 , continued application of force causes snap-on wing  12  to pass splined end  72  and pass into a narrow crank region  74 . The narrow crank region  74  allows resiliently biased exit incline  16  section to resume to a less deflected position. This resiliently biased deflection of snap-on wing  12  causes a positive feel to user to ensure that the handle is fully secured upon splined end  72  to allow the user to operate the window assembly.  
         [0068]    When the user desires to remove the handle  30  for ideal repositioning the above process is repeated in reverse order. The user grasps the handle  30  and pulls away from the operator in a line of force perpendicular to the rotation of the window crank  70 . As a pulling force is applied to handle  30  it causes splined end  72  to again deflect exit incline  16  and then snap-on wing  12 , continued application of force causes snap-on wing  12  to exit narrow crank region  74  passing splined end  72  and then into contact with resiliently biased exit incline  16  allowing section to resume to a less deflected position as it assists exit of the splined end  72  from contact with snap base spline  48 . Handle  30  is now in a condition to allow repositioning and reattachment if desired.  
         [0069]    When handle  30  is attached to the splined end  72  of the window crank  70  it can be moved between an extended position which allows for easy cranking and a storage position to minimize interference with window decorations. FIGS.  5 - 17  displays handle clip  20  attached to the underside  32  of handle  30 . Handle clip  20  has at least one resiliently biased handle wing  22  and optionally handle wing  24  in addition, which is outwardly deformable but returns to original shape even after repeated use. The handle wing  22  deforms when it intimately contacts resiliently biased snap base fork  44  included on snap base  40 .  
         [0070]    The snap base fork  44  is positioned to interact with handle wing  22 , which is ensured through the use of snap base protrusion  42 , which is rotatably positioned by mechanical blocking through the use of at least one retaining handle wing  26 , which has a rotation axis guide  28 . Snap base protrusion  42  is thus held in place through blocking of rotation axis guide  28  within the underside  32 . Optionally a groove  34  is formed in the underside  32  of handle  30 , which provides additional rotational guidance for snap base  40  by additionally mechanically blocking snap base protrusion  42  within groove  34 .  
         [0071]    When handle  30  is in the extended position, which allows for easiest window operator option wherein at least one handle wing  22  rests against snap base fork face  43 . The contact between the two surfaces allows for a positive feel without fear of collapse when the user rotates handle  30  to actuate the window operator. User must provide a greater force to collapse handle  30  to its retracted position then the resistance provided by the incline wing face  23  of handle wing  22  against the snap base fork  44 .  
         [0072]    When the user wishes to retract the handle to the collapsed position to allow for the placement of window decorations without interference from the handle he provides force preferably at the knob  36  pushing toward the window operator. When the user provides a sufficient amount of force snap base  40  remains in a fixed position because of its attachment to the window operator while handle clip  20  rotationally moves inward to encompass and surround snap base  40  thereby causing the knob  36  of handle  30  to lie flush with the base of the window operator. This is accomplished through the biased resilience of handle wing  22  and snap base fork  44  interacting with each other, however only one of the two acting in cooperation needs to be resiliently biased to allow for the retraction and extension of the handle.  
         [0073]    The retraction of the handle  30  so that knob  36  is flush with the operator base occurs when a force causes handle wing  22  to override the positionally fixed snap base  40 . Snap base fork face  43  physically contacts the inclined face of handle wing  22 , which causes the reliantly biased material of at least one snap base fork  44  to compress inwards causing the overall snap base wing diameter  41  to be reduced to a point in which passage of the at least one of the snap base fork  44  passes through the handle clip opening  25 . Interior opening  27  of handle clip  20  is wider than handle clip opening  25  wherein this causes the user to feel a physical and positive feedback that the handle  30  is fully in the retracted position. Additionally this allows the either or both of the resiliently biased members to return to a more normal position allowing for extended life of the components by reducing stress on flexing components and maintaining elasticity for the longest possible time for all associated components.  
         [0074]    When the user wishes to extend the knob  36  of handle  30  from the retracted position to the extended position to facilitate easier window operation it occurs by pulling the knob  36  away from the window operator base until the knob  36  locks into the extended position. This pulling motion on knob  36  causes at least one snap base fork  44  to compress and pass through handle clip opening  25 . After at least one snap base fork  44  passes through handle clip opening  25  it then resumes to its uncompressed dimensions. The force required to recompress either the snap base fork  44  and/or the handle wing  22  is what provides the positive feel that occurs during the transition and the stability of the handle  30  in the extended position.  
         [0075]    Another embodiment is displayed in FIGS.  5 - 8 ,  9 - 12 , and  18 - 25 , wherein a window operator having a window crank  70  is rotated by a handle  30 , wherein a handle clip  20  interacts with a worm clip  50  to transmit rotational force. Handle clip  20  rotatably affixes said clip base  60  to the underside  32  of said handle. A worm clip  50  is positioned within clip base  60 .  
         [0076]    FIGS.  18 - 21  displays a worm clip  50  positioned within a clip base  60  as displayed in FIGS.  22 - 25 , wherein said worm clip  50  allows a handle  30  as displayed in FIGS.  9 - 13 , to be moveable between a position in which said clip base  60  is capable of engaging a window crank  70  to engage said linkage to cause movement of said sash, to a second position which is capable of allowing release of said handle  30  and a subsequent reattachment of said handle  30  in preferred positions upon said rotatable drive shaft  70  of said window operator without using any tools.  
         [0077]    FIGS.  18 - 21  displays the worm clip  50 , which is shaped to fit into a worm clip receiving slot  66  as displayed in FIGS.  22 - 25 , which positions the worm clip  50  to interact with window crank  70  as displayed in FIG. 23. The spline groove  52  allows window crank  70  having a splined end  72  to pass through clip opening  54  having a diameter greater than splined end  72 , which is positioned within worm clip receiving slot  66  to allow splined end  72  to pass through clip opening  54 .  
         [0078]    Handle  30  interacts with clip base spline  68  through its rotatable connection to underside  32  via handle clip  20 . When handle  30  is in an unattached condition the user may position handle in desired location in relation to the position of the windowpane. Once properly positioned user directs a force through handle  30  along a line substantially perpendicular to the rotation of window crank  70 .  
         [0079]    When the user applies force to button  52  it causes splined end  72  to be contacted by clip lock  56  in a narrow crank region  74 . The narrow crank region  74  allows the handle  30  to be fully secured upon splined end  72  to allow the user to operate the window assembly. Clip lock  56  allows rotation of window crank  70  by the user via rotation of the handle  30  while simultaneously blocking splined end  72  from unintentionally passing back through clip lock  56  during operation of window assembly. Further safeguards to prevent unintentional release of the handle  30  during rotation is by optionally mechanical blocking the movement of worm clip  50  to the handle release position when the handle is in the extended position by the use of clip release block  59 .,  
         [0080]    When the user desires to remove the handle  30  for ideal repositioning the above process is repeated in reverse order. When the optional safeguard mechanism is included the handle must be in the retracted position to remove it from the window crank  70 . The user repositions button  52  to allow for release of window crank  70 . Optionally positive stop surface  58  can be included on worm clip  50  to inform user that the handle  30  is in a condition to allow for its release. The opening  54 ,is positioned in line with splined end  72  and clip base opening  69 . When handle  30  is then pulled away from window operator it allows splined end  72  to pass through both opening  54  and clip base opening  69 , releasing splined end  72  from contact with clip base spline  68 . Handle  30  is now in a condition to allow repositioning and reattachment if desired.  
         [0081]    When handle  30  is attached to the splined end  72  of the window crank  70  it can be moved between an extended position which allows for easy cranking and a storage position to minimize interference with window decorations. FIGS.  5 - 17  displays handle clip  20  attached to the underside  32  of handle  30 . Handle clip  20  has at least one resiliently biased handle wing  22  and optionally handle wing  24  in addition, which is outwardly deformable but returns to original shape even after repeated use. The handle wing  22  deforms when it intimately contacts resiliently biased clip base fork  64  included on clip base  60 .  
         [0082]    The clip base fork  64  is positioned to interact with handle wing  22 , which is ensured through the use of worm protrusion  62 , which is rotatably positioned by mechanical blocking through the use of at least one retaining handle wing  26 , which has a rotation axis guide  28 . Optionally a groove  34  is formed in the underside  32  of handle  30 , which provides additional rotational guidance for clip base  60 .  
         [0083]    When handle  30  is in the extended position, which allows for easiest window operator option wherein at least one handle wing  22  rests against clip base surface  63 . The contact between the two surfaces allows for a positive feel without fear of collapse when the user rotates handle  30  to actuate the window operator. User must provide a greater force to collapse handle  30  to its retracted position then the resistance provided by the handle wing  22  and the clip base fork  64 .  
         [0084]    When the user wishes to retract the handle to the collapsed position to allow for the placement of window decorations without interference from the handle he provides force preferably at the knob  36  pushing toward the window operator. When the user provides a sufficient amount of force clip base  60  remains in a fixed position because of its attachment to the window operator while handle clip  20  rotationally moves inward to encompass and surround clip base  60  thereby causing the knob  36  of handle  30  to lie flush with the base of the window operator. This is accomplished through the biased resilience of handle wing  22  and clip base fork  64  interacting with each other, however only one of the two acting in cooperation needs to be resiliently biased to allow for the retraction and extension of the handle.  
         [0085]    The retraction of the handle  30  so that knob  36  is flush with the operator base occurs when a force causes handle wing  22  to override the positionally fixed clip base  60 . Clip base surface  63  physically contacts the inclined face of handle wing  22 , which causes the reliantly biased material of at least one clip base fork  64  to compress inwards causing the overall clip base fork diameter  61  to be reduced to a point in which passage of the at least one of the clip base fork  64  passes through the handle clip opening  25 . Interior opening  27  of handle clip  20  is wider than handle clip opening  25  wherein this causes the user to feel a physical and positive feedback that the handle  30  is fully in the retracted position. Additionally this allows the either or both of the resiliently biased members to return to a more normal position allowing for extended life of the components by reducing stress on flexing components and maintaining elasticity for the longest possible time for all associated components.  
         [0086]    When the user wishes to extend the knob  36  of handle  30  from the retracted position to the extended position to facilitate easier window operation it occurs by pulling the knob  36  away from the window operator base until the knob  36  locks into the extended position. This pulling motion on knob  36  causes at least one clip base fork  64  to compress and pass through handle clip opening  25 . After at least one clip base fork  64  passes through handle clip opening  25  it then resumes to its uncompressed dimensions. The force required to recompress either the clip base fork  64  and/or the handle wing  22  is what provides the positive feel that occurs during the transition and the stability of the handle  30  in the extended position.  
         [0087]    While every possible theoretical embodiment is not listed above, it is clearly envisioned by the inventor that all theoretical variations based upon an interaction of similarly performing elements is supported. The applicant claims within the scope of equivalents all embodiments having similarly performing features with a similar combination of elements either by the combining of functions into one element or the breakdown of larger elements and being replaced with the addition of multiple elements to perform the same basic functions.