Patent Publication Number: US-2022213714-A1

Title: Hands-Free Sanitary Door Assist

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/521,830 filed on Nov. 8, 2021, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/111,001 filed on Nov. 7, 2020. Both U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/521,830 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/111,001 are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application, in some embodiments thereof, relates to door handles, door knobs, or any devices for opening doors. 
     BACKGROUND 
     At restaurant outdoor patios, waiters and bus staff struggle to open the door to the inside or close the door to the outside, when both hands are occupied carrying items (e.g., plates, trays, etc.). Due to health challenges associated with the Covid- 19  virus pandemic and other infectious agents which may reside on solid surfaces, such as a door knob or door handle, opening and closing the door by grasping the knob or handle can further spread the infectious agents. Pressure-mats and motion detector actuated automatic door openers provide hands-free solutions but are expensive to implement. Foot actuated or operated devices can cause the operator to lose stability and balance. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aim of the system of the present invention is to provide a more sanitary and cost-effective solution to open doors (e.g. in restaurant restrooms, doors to kitchen, doors to inside from outdoor patios, etc.) without constantly grasping the door knob or handle with human hands. 
     Therefore, an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to a device for handling a door, the door having a door handle which comprises a stem and a hand grip. The device includes a base unit and an extension unit. The base unit has a channel opening at a bottom section of the base unit, the channel being closed by a top section of the base unit. The channel is configured to receive at least one portion of the stem of the door handle so as to slip the base unit onto the door handle to connect the base unit to the door handle. The extension unit extends outwardly from the base unit and include a panel substantially parallel to the door, such that a force applied on the panel is transferred to the base unit, via the base unit to the door handle, and via the door handle to the door. 
     In a variant, the base unit is further configured to surround the hand grip, and the channel is shaped to further receive the hand grip. 
     In another variant, the base unit is configured to hold the stem between the door and the hand grip. 
     In yet another variant, the channel is configured for a snug connection with the at least one portion of the stem. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the panel of the extension unit extends beyond a width of the door. 
     In a variant, the base unit has a rear surface facing the door when the base unit is connected to the door handle, a front surface facing away from the door when the base unit is connected to the door handle, and lateral surfaces extending on lateral sides of the base unit between the rear surface and the front surface. The device comprises a connection unit connecting the panel to one of the lateral surfaces of the base unit. 
     Optionally, the connection unit tapers from the front surface to the rear surface. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the base unit has a rear surface facing the door and front surface facing away from the door, when the base unit is connected to the door handle. The extension unit comprises a connection unit extending forward from the front surface, the connection unit having a front section joined to the panel, such that a gap is formed between the panel and the front surface of the base unit. 
     In a variant, the panel has a rear surface facing the base unit and front surface facing away from the base unit. The rear surface of the panel is joined to the connection unit at an angle larger than 90 degrees and smaller than or equal to 180 degrees. 
     In another variant, the base unit has a first lateral side and a second later side opposite each other and connecting the front surface to the rear surface. The connection unit extends forward from a portion of the front surface at or near the first lateral side. The panel extends laterally, ahead of the front surface, from the connection unit in a direction that extends from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. 
     In yet another variant, the base unit has a first lateral side and a second later side opposite each other and connecting the front surface to the rear surface. The connection unit extends forward from a portion of the front surface at or near the second first lateral side. The panel extends laterally, ahead of the front surface, from the connection unit in a direction that extends from the second lateral side to the first lateral side. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the base unit has a rear surface facing the door and front surface facing away from the door, when the base unit is connected to the door handle. The extension unit comprises a connection unit extending forward from the front surface, the connection unit having a front section joined to the panel. The base unit has a first lateral side facing a hinge end of the door and a second later side opposite the first lateral side, the first lateral side and the second lateral side connecting the front surface to the rear surface. The connection unit extends forward from a portion of the front surface at or near the second lateral side. The panel extends toward a hinge end of the door. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale. 
       Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom”, or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
         FIG. 1  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel extends laterally from a base unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel extends laterally from a base unit and a connection unit with a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel extends laterally from a base unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , configured to connect to a door handle by receiving the hand grip and only part of the stem in the channel, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , in which the channel is shorter than the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , in which the channel matches the same of door handle in which the stem is a single shaft and the hand grip is bulb-shaped, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel is located ahead of the base unit and in which the panel extends toward a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel is located ahead of the base unit and in which the panel extends toward a hinge end of the door, where a connection unit has a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel is located ahead of the base unit and extends toward a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 17  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 17  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel is located ahead of the base unit and in which the panel extends away from a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel is located ahead of the base unit and in which the panel extends away from a hinge end of the door, where a connection unit has a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel is located ahead of the base unit and extends away from a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 25  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 25  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 31  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a connection unit extend forward from a front surface of a base unit which is near a lateral surface facing the hinge end of the door, and a panel extends from the connection unit toward a hinge end of the door to form a gap between the door and the panel, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     From time-to-time, the present invention is described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the invention to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative environments. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Referring now to the figures  FIG. 1  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel extends laterally from a base unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  is configured to be joined to a door  200  for handling (opening and closing) the door  200  in a hands-free manner, as will be explained below. The door  200  extends between a hinge end  202  of the door and handle end  204  of the door. The hinge end  202  is joined to a door frame via one or more hinges  206 , such that rotation of the door  200  around the hinge(s)  206  is used to selectively open the door  200  and close the door  200 . The handle end  204  is opposite the hinge end  202 . A door handle  208  is located on the door near the handle end  204 , to enable a user to hold the door and apply a force to the door and cause the door to rotate about the hinge(s)  206 . 
     The door handle  208  includes a stem  210  and a hand grip  212 . The stem is joined to the door  200  and extends forward from a front surface  200   a  of the door  200 . The hand grip  212  is joined to the stem and is shaped to enable the user to grip the hand grip  212  and pull or push the door  200  to cause the door  200  to rotate around the hinge(s)  206 . 
     The device  100  includes a base unit  102  and an extension unit or panel  104 . The base unit has channel  106  opening at a bottom section of the base unit  102  and closed by a top section of the base unit  102  (as will be seen in later figures). The channel is shaped to receive at least one portion of the stem  210  of the door handle  212  so as to slip the base unit  102  onto the door handle  208  and connect the base unit  102  to the door handle  208 . In the drawings, the channel  106  is shown to be substantially larger that the door handle, for clarity purposes alone. In some embodiments of the present invention, the channel  106  is shaped to provide a supple and stable fit over the door handle  208 . Thereby, the base unit  102  and the door handle  208  make a sturdy snug fit connection, without requiring further reinforcements. The orientation of the base unit  102  relative to the door handle  208  remains fixed. The base unit  102  can be designed or configured to fit tightly against the front surface  200   a  of the door  200  so that leverage forces against the front surface  200   a  of door  200  helps stabilize the base unit  102 . This prevents the base unit  102  from becoming loose or “wobbly” over time. 
     The extension unit  104  extends outwardly from the base unit  102  and includes a panel substantially parallel to the door. A force applied on the panel of the extension unit  104  is transferred to the base unit  102 , via the base unit to the door handle  208 , and via the door handle  208  to the door  200 . In the embodiment of the  FIG. 1 , the extension unit  104  extends beyond the width of the door  200 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the base unit  102  has a rear surface  102   a  facing the door  200  when the base unit  102  is connected to the door handle  208 , a front surface facing  102   b  away from the door  208  when the base unit  102  is connected to the door handle  208 , and lateral surfaces  102   c  extending on lateral sides of the base unit  102  between the rear surface  102   a  and the front surface  102   b . In some embodiments of the present invention the extension unit (panel)  104  extends sideways from the base unit either directly from the base unit  102  or via a connection unit  108  which connects one of the lateral surfaces  102   c  of the base unit  102  to the panel  104  (as shown in the example of  FIG. 1 ). In the example of  FIG. 1 , the panel  104  extends away from the hinge end  202  of the door and extends beyond the width of the door. 
     When the device  100  is joined to the door handle  208 , a gap  110  is formed between a wall  220  (which lies beyond the handle end  204  of the door) and the panel  104 . In this manner, a shoulder or elbow of a user can be physically inserted in the gap  110  to contact the panel  104  and apply a force against the panel  104 . The force received by the panel  104  is transferred to the base unit  102 , the door handle  208 , and door  200 , and therefore enables a user to open the door in a hands-free manner. 
     In the example of  FIG. 1 , the base unit  102  connects to the panel  104  via a connection unit  108 . The connection unit  108  may taper from front to rear and may be wider near the panel  104  than near the door  200 . In this manner the connection line between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is at an angle that is larger than 90 degrees. This forms a V-shaped reinforcement location between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104 , and adds structural strength to the device  100 . In this manner, bending at the connection location is decreased and a force applied to the panel  104  is more efficiently transferred to the base unit  102  and the door  104 . Moreover, the added structural integrity increases the resistance of the panel  104  to breakage from the connection unit when a force is applied to the panel  104 . 
     While the base unit  102 , panel  104 , and connection unit  108  are described as different units, these units may be integral with each other and formed as a single piece of material, such as molded plastic. In another variant, one or more may be discrete units joined to each other. The finish of the base unit  102  may smooth as to not scrape the front surface  200   a  of the door  200  or the door handle  208 . 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the device  100  of  FIG. 1  before connection to the door handle  208 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the device  100  of  FIG. 1  after connection to the door handle  208 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a panel extends laterally from a base unit and a connection unit with a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 2  has all the features of device  100  of  FIG. 1 , described above. The difference lies in the fact that in  FIG. 2 , the connection unit  108  has a curved surface, such that the reinforcement location at which the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  meet is about 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 3  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel extends laterally from a base unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 4  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIGS. 3-6  is similar to the device  100  of  FIG. 1  and of  FIG. 2 . In addition to all the features described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base unit  102  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 3-6  also surrounds the hand grip  212 . Therefore, the channel  106  is shaped to receive at least one portion of the stem  210  of the door handle and also to receive the hand grip  212  of the door handle. As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the channel  106  is configured for a snug connection with the door handle (stem  210  and hand grip  212 ) to prevent wobbling and to efficiently transfer force from the panel  104  to the door  200 . 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 3 to 6 , the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is angular, as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is curved, as described above, with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show that the top section  107  of the base unit  102  is closed, to stop the device  100  from slipping down the door handle and falling on the floor. Due to this stopping function of the top section  107  of the base unit, the door handle supports the weight of the device  100  when the device  100  is joined to the door handle. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the panel  104  includes a perforation  105  configured to be used to grip the device  100  and function as a hand grip. The panel  104  may be of any shape. In the non-limiting examples of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the panel  104  has a trapezoidal front cross-section, but it may be of any shape, such as square, round, rectangular, irregular with curved and straight sides, etc. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In the example of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the channel  106  and the door handle  208  have L-shaped bottom cross-sections. The entirety of the door handle  208  is enclosed in the channel. The rear surface of the door handle  208  is flush with the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , configured to connect to a door handle by receiving the hand grip and only part of the stem in the channel, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In the example of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the channel  106  and the door handle  208  have L-shaped bottom cross-sections. The hand grip  212  and a portion of the stem  210  are enclosed in the channel  106 , while another portion of the stem  210  juts out from the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , in which the channel is shorter than the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In the example of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the channel  106  and the door handle  208  have L-shaped bottom cross-sections. A portion of the door handle  208  is enclosed in the channel  106 , while another portion of the door handle  208  juts out from the bottom of the base unit. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In the example of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the channel  106  and the door handle  208  have L-shaped bottom cross-sections. The hand grip  212  and a portion of the stem  210  are enclosed in the channel  106 , while another portion of the stem  210  juts out from the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the channel  106  is both shorter and less deep than the door handle  208 , and the door handle juts out both from the bottom ( FIGS. 11-12 ) and from the rear ( FIGS. 9-10 ) of the base unit. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 3 , in which the channel  106  matches the shape of door handle in which the stem  210  is a single shaft and the hand grip  212  is bulb-shaped, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is a top cross-sectional view of a device  100  for handling a door  200 , in which a panel  104  is located ahead of the base unit  102  and in which the panel  104  extends toward a hinge end  202  of the door  200 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 15  includes a base unit  102 , a connection unit  108 , and a panel  104 . The base unit has a channel  106  configured to receive at least a portion of the stem  210  of a door handle  208 , as described above. The base unit has a rear surface  102   a  and a front surface  102   b , as described above. 
     The connection unit  108  extends forward from the front surface  102   b  of the base unit  102 , and having a front section joined to the panel  104 , such that a gap  110  is formed between the panel  104  and the front surface  102   b  of the base unit  102 . In this manner, a user may place a shoulder or elbow in the gap  110  to manipulate the door. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the panel  104  has a rear surface  104   a  facing the base unit  102  and front surface  104   b  facing away from the base unit, and the rear surface  104   a  is joined to the connection unit  110  at an angle larger than 90 degrees and smaller than or equal to 180 degrees. As explained above, this increases the structural strength of the panel and enables more efficient transmission of force from the panel  104  to the door  200 . 
     In the device  100 , the base unit  102  has a first lateral side  102   c  and a second later side  120 d opposite each other and connecting the front surface  102   b  to the rear surface  102   a . The connection unit  108  extends forward from a portion of the front surface  102   b  at or near the second lateral side  102   d . The first lateral side  102   c  is closer to the hinge end  202  than the second lateral side  102   d  is, such that the panel  104  extends from the connection unit  108  toward a projection  300  of the first lateral side  102   c  and toward the hinge end  202 . The panel may extend beyond the projection of the first lateral side. In other words, the panel  104  extends laterally ahead of the front surface  102   b  from the connection unit  108  in a direction C that extends from the second lateral side  102   d  to the first lateral side  102   c . In other words, when joined to a door handle, the panel  104  extends from the connection unit  108  toward from the hinge end  202  of the door  200 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the panel  104  is substantially parallel to the front surface  102   b  of the base unit  102 . 
       FIG. 16  is a top cross-sectional view of a device  100  for handling a door, in which a panel  104  is located ahead of the base unit  102  and in which the panel  104  extends toward a hinge end  202  of the door, where a connection unit  108  has a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 16  has all the features of device  100  of  FIG. 15 , described above. The difference lies in the fact that in  FIG. 15 , the connection unit  108  has a curved surface, such that the reinforcement location at which the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  meet is about 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 17  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel is located ahead of the base unit and extends toward a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 18  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 19  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 20  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 17 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIGS. 17-20  is similar to the device  100  of  FIG. 15  and of  FIG. 16 . In addition to all the features described with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the base unit  102  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 17-20  also surrounds the hand grip  212 . Therefore, the channel  106  is shaped to receive at least one portion of the stem  210  of the door handle and also to receive the hand grip  212  of the door handle. As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the channel  106  is configured for a snug connection with the door handle (stem  210  and hand grip  212 ) to prevent wobbling and to efficiently transfer force from the panel  104  to the door  200 . 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 17 to 20 , the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is angular, as described with reference to  FIG. 15 . However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is curved, as described above, with reference to  FIG. 16 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  show that the top section  107  of the base unit  102  is closed, to stop the device  100  from slipping down the door handle and falling on the floor. Due to this stopping function of the top section  107  of the base unit, the door handle supports the weight of the device  100  when the device  100  is joined to the door handle. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 17  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 17  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. The channel  106  and the door handle  208  may L-shaped bottom cross-sections. In a variant the door handle has a bulb-shaped hand grip, and the channel  106  is shaped to receive at least part of the stem and the bulb-shaped hand grip, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     In a variant, the entirety of the door handle  208  is enclosed in the channel and the rear surface of the door handle  208  is flush with the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In another variant, the door handle  208  may jut out of the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit and/or out of the bottom of the base unit, as explained above with reference to  FIGS. 9-12 . 
       FIG. 23  is a top cross-sectional view of a device  100  for handling a door  200 , in which a panel  104  is located ahead of the base unit  1 - 2  and in which the panel  104  extends away from a hinge end  202  of the door  200 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 23  is similar to the device  100  of  FIG. 15 . The difference lies in the fact that in  FIG. 23 , the connection unit  108  extends forward from the front surface  102   b , near the first lateral surface  102   c , while the panel  104  extends laterally ahead of the front surface  102   b  from the connection unit  108  in a direction D that extends from the first lateral side  102   c  to the second lateral side  102   d . In other words, when joined to a door handle, the panel  104  extends from the connection unit  108  away from the hinge end  202  of the door  200 . 
       FIG. 24  is a top cross-sectional view of a device  100  for handling a door, in which the panel  104  is located ahead of the base unit  102  and in which the panel extends away from a hinge end  202  of the door, where a connection unit  108  has a rounded surface, according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 24  has all the features of device  100  of  FIG. 23 , described above. The difference lies in the fact that in  FIG. 24 , the connection unit  108  has a curved surface, such that the reinforcement location at which the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  meet is about 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 25  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door, in which, in which a base unit surrounds the door handle and a panel is located ahead of the base unit and extends away from a hinge end of the door, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 26  is a front view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 27  is a rear view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the device of  FIG. 25 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIGS. 25-28  is similar to the device  100  of  FIG. 23  and of  FIG. 24 . In addition to all the features described with reference to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , the base unit  102  of the device  100  of  FIGS. 25-28  also surrounds the hand grip  212 . Therefore, the channel  106  is shaped to receive at least one portion of the stem  210  of the door handle and also to receive the hand grip  212  of the door handle. As mentioned above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the channel  106  is configured for a snug connection with the door handle (stem  210  and hand grip  212 ) to prevent wobbling and to efficiently transfer force from the panel  104  to the door  200 . 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 25 to 28 , the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is angular, as described with reference to  FIG. 23 . However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  is curved, as described above, with reference to  FIG. 24 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  show that the top section  107  of the base unit  102  is closed, to stop the device  100  from slipping down the door handle and falling on the floor. Due to this stopping function of the top section  107  of the base unit, the door handle supports the weight of the device  100  when the device  100  is joined to the door handle. 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 25  before connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 25  after connection to the door handle, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  are three-quarters views showing the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. The channel  106  and the door handle  208  may L-shaped bottom cross-sections. In a variant the door handle has a bulb-shaped hand grip, and the channel  106  is shaped to receive at least part of the stem and the bulb-shaped hand grip, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
     In a variant, the entirety of the door handle  208  is enclosed in the channel and the rear surface of the door handle  208  is flush with the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit. In another variant, the door handle  208  may jut out of the rear surface  102   a  of the base unit and/or out of the bottom of the base unit, as explained above with reference to  FIGS. 9-12 . 
       FIG. 31  is a top cross-sectional view of a device for handling a door  100 , in which a connection unit  108  extends forward from a front surface  102   a  of a base unit  102  which is near the lateral surface  102   c  facing the hinge end  202  of the door  200 , and a panel  104  extends from the connection unit  108  toward a hinge end  202  of the door  200  to form a gap  110  between the door  200  and the panel  204 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
     The device  100  of  FIG. 31  is similar to the device  100  of  FIG. 25 . The connection unit  108  extend forward from the front surface  102   b  of the base unit  102  near the first lateral surface  102   c  facing the hinge end  202  of the door  200 . The difference lies in the fact that in  FIG. 31 , the panel  104  extends from the connection  108  toward the hinge end  202  of the door. Therefore, when the device  100  is joined to the door handle  208 , the gap  110  is created between the panel  104  and the door  200 . 
     The connection between the connection unit  108  and the panel  104  may be curved or angular, as explained above. 
     Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.