Patent Publication Number: US-2005138820-A1

Title: Saw handle grip

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/527,269 filed Dec. 5, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      This invention relates, in general, to a gripping end of a saw handle or any other tool that incorporates the use of a hand to operate the tool. In particular, the present invention relates to a molded saw handle grip, with a soft cover thereon, which would be attached onto the gripping end of the saw handle.  
      Tool users typically require tools that are durable and will withstand significant daily use over long periods of time. Preferably, such tools are also comfortable in the hands of the users and provide the users with a good grip. Often, many users prefer the warmth, durability and feel of a natural wood handle when using a hand saw, for example. However, the comfort of a wooden handle sometimes is offset by the roughness of its edges, and its slipperiness. Accordingly, the present invention improves upon the prior art by providing a tool handle grip, such as for a saw, which has a softer cover physically attached to a hard, ornamental wood handle.  
      Such handle grips should not add any substantial amount of weight to the handle of the corresponding tools; as such the added grip weight is kept at an acceptable level that does not introduce any substantial weight related fatigue during a lengthy use of the tool. For this reason, the weight of both the hard and soft portions of such handle grips is kept as light as possible while still preventing any material breakdown due to pressure exerted by the user during use.  
      Such handle grips should not increase a grip area, i.e. grip size, substantially, as any wider grip would be impractical for obvious reasons, such as inefficient gripping. Hence, such handle grips must be designed to comfortably fit the grip of the user and provide a simple structure to attach to a handle. The handle grip is typically a complex geometric structure molded to fit the corresponding geometric outer surface of the tool handle. Molding problems are negligible as typically outer surfaces can be molded by most modern molding techniques.  
      In view of the above discussed handle grip characteristics, it is advantageous to provide a tool handle grip which can be molded to any desired shape to match the receiving tool handle, be easily attached to the tool handle, is comfortable and durable.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY  
      A saw handle grip cover comprises a molded shell configured to conform to an outer body shape of a saw handle, such as a wooden saw handle. The molded shell is constructed of a relatively stiff material. An outer layer, secured thereto to the molded shell, is constructed of a soft material. The molded shell covers at least a grippable portion of the saw handle, and the outer layer is delimited by a circumferential outer edge of the molded shell.  
      Further aspects and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the present embodiments. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The invention, together with the advantages thereof, may be understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which illustrate some embodiments of the invention.  
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a saw handle grip cover embodiment in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of another handle grip cover embodiment in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 3   a - 3   b  is an exploded view of still another handle grip cover embodiment in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  represent five additional alternate embodiments of a saw handle grip in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  represent three embodiments of a jab saw handle in accordance with the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.  
      In this application, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects.  
      With reference to the drawings and initially to  FIG. 1 , a saw handle grip labeled  100  is shown in solid lines. The saw handle grip  100  is shown in an exploded view separated from a conventional wooden hand saw handle  170 , illustrated in broken lines. The saw handle grip  100  sleeves the top, bottom and sides of a saw handle  170 , to conform to part or most of the outer surface of the saw handle  170 . Thus, the saw handle grip  100  includes an internal channel that surrounds a portion of the outer surface of the saw handle  170 . The saw handle grip  100  is constructed with an inner shell  110 , and a softer cover overlay  120  which provides a comfortable contact surface to the user. The softer cover overlay  120  is physically attached to the inner shell  110  via glue or any other biding material.  
      The inner shell  110  can be constructed out of any hard synthetic used commonly nowadays for other grips, such as a polymer. The softer overlay  120  can be constructed of an elastomer to provide a softer grip to the user. This combination of hard inner shell  110  and softer overlay cover  120  can offer the most natural and comfortable grip one may obtain on a saw handle or other hand tool.  
      The saw handle grip  100  can be attached to the saw handle  170  via screws  140 , in three secure positions  190 , independently of blade screws  111  that attach the saw handle  170  to the saw blade  180 . Alternatively, the handle grip  100  may be molded in a manner wherein these secure positions  190  may coincide with the blade screw locations  111  or a typical wooden saw handle. Hence, a simple arrangement permits an attachment of the molded handle grip  100  to the saw handle  170 . The attachment is rendered simple because the inner shell  110  is typically molded to present a conforming sleeve to the corresponding outer geometry of the saw handle  170  portion covered by the inner shell  110 .  
      The outer surface of the soft cover  120  can be shaped in any desirable geometry that conforms to the inner shell molded structure. That is, the outer surface of the shell generally covers the entire inner shell  110  except in certain predetermined regions that are raised by a molding process. These regions include a circumferential outer edge  130  of the inner shell  11  that determines the outer perimeter or contour of the saw handle grip  110 . The outer edge  130  being made of the same hard synthetic material as the inner shell  110  allows for the preservation of the original contour of the saw handle grip  100 . The hardness of the outer edge  130  serves to prevent any breakdown, erosion or abrasion of the circumferential shape of the handle grip  100  by withstanding significant uses over long periods of time. The hardness of the outer edge  130  may also act as a bumper to protect the underlying wood handle.  
      In the present embodiment the materials used for the inner shell  110  and the outer layer cover  120  are of substantially different color so as to provide a contrast between them. Further, the outer layer cover  120  may include a design and or a writing which may stand out relatively to the rest of the outer layer cover  120 .  
      The saw handle grip  100  may be shaped to present corners, angles or curves, not necessarily original to the underlying wooden saw handle, for enhancing the control and grip of the saw handle, and also part of the outer surface of the grip may be have a dimpled or a roughened surface for further enhancement of the grip of the saw handle. That is, the cross-sectional configuration of the combination of the inner shell  110  and outer overlay cover  120  can enhance the feel and grip on the handle, and such enhancement may also be in conjunction with having the surface of the outer layer of the overlay cover  120  marked of a dimpled or pockmarked arrangement so that it is irregular to further enhance security of the user&#39;s hand grip thereon.  
      In the present embodiment the difference between the inner shell  110  and the outer layer cover  120  has been described as being with respect to color, as well as of relative hardness or the like to improve grip and reduce abrasion in certain areas of the saw handle grip  100 . Further, the combination of the inner shell  110  and outer overlay soft cover  120  corresponding materials allow this invention to withstand repeated cleaning without noticeable deterioration.  
      The saw handle grip  100  can be attached to the saw handle  170  via screws  140 , or fastened via other acceptable devices. The fastening locations of the screws  140  on the saw handle grip  100  each form a hollow cavity  150  that is shaped to receive a fastener, such as a screw or a rivet  140 , without allowing the fastener to protrude above the outer surface of the outer layer cover. As such, the saw handle grip  100  can be secured to an underneath solid or hollow core piece of a saw handle  170 .  
      To limit further repetitions of the above discussion, all subsequently discussed saw handle grips may include an inner shell constructed out of any hard synthetic used commonly nowadays for other grips, such as a polymer, and a softer overlay constructed of an elastomer to provide a softer grip to the user. The softer overlay covers can be physically attached to the inner shells via glue or any other biding material. Further, circumferential outer edges of the saw handle grips may determine the outer perimeter or contour of the saw handle grips. In addition, the materials used for the inner shells and the outer layer covers may be of substantially different color so as to provide a contrast between them, and the outer layer covers may include a design and or a writing which may stand out relatively to the rest of the respective outer layer covers. Also, while in the previous embodiment, the saw handle grip  100  acted to overlay a wooden saw handle  170 , it is not necessary for a wooden handle to be present in other embodiments, i.e. may be a plastic handle, etc. . . .  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , another embodiment of a saw handle grip labeled  200  is shown in solid lines. The saw handle grip  200  is shown distanced from a saw handle  260 , illustrated in broken lines. The saw handle grip  200  is molded to present a pair of bolt tabs  220  and a saw handle grip cavity (not shown) at the front end of the handle grip  200 . The bolt tabs  220  can be made of the same material as that of the inner shell. The cavity is positioned between the pair of tabs  220 . The pair of bolt tabs  220  include each a hollow cavity  240  that is shaped to receive a fastener  230 , such as a screw, a rivet, or a bolt  230 .  
      The saw handle  260 , which may be wooden or metal, provides holes  210  for receiving bolt tabs  220 . Further, the saw handle  260  includes a projection  280  designed to communicate with the saw handle grip cavity (not shown). The saw handle grip  200  can be fastened to the saw handle  260  via bolts  230 . The fastening locations  240  of the saw handle grip  200  correspond to the saw handle holes  290  designed to receive bolts  230 . As such, the saw handle grip  200  can be secured to the saw handle  260  independently of blade fasteners  212  used for attaching blade  270 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 3   a , another embodiment of a saw handle grip labeled  300  is shown in solid lines. The saw handle grip  300  is shown distanced from a skeletal-like framed saw handle  302 , illustrated in broken lines. The saw handle grip  300  is molded to wrap around a saw handle bottom  380 , sleeve around the sides of the middle portion  360  of the saw handle  302 , and slide into T-grooves  313  along the top  370  of the saw handle  302 . A pair of sleeves  312  each presents a rail  320  at its respective top ends, wherein the pair of rails  320  slide into the matching T-grooves  313  located on the top of the saw handle  370 .  
      The saw handle grip  300  presents a channel  310  to wrap only around the bottom portion  380  of the saw handle  370 . The sleeves  312  extend vertically from a location near the channel  310  to another location below the pair of rails  320 . As such the pair of sleeves  312  defines an opening  311  designed to communicate with a thinner middle portion  360  of the saw handle  302 . The thinner middle portion  360  extends vertically from between the T-grooves  313  to the bottom portion  380  of the saw handle  302 . Adjacently to the T grooves  313 , the thinner middle portion  360  extends forward along most of the length of the T-grooves  313  to include a fastening location  350 . As such, the back end surface  315  of the saw handle  302  is sandwiched between the back ends of the pair of sleeves  312 , and is configured to extend to the back end of the narrower channel  311 . For fastening purposes, the saw handle grip  300  and the saw handle  302  provide corresponding cavities  340  and  350 , respectively. Hence, the saw handle grip  300  can be fastened to the saw handle  302  via fasteners  330 . Also as shown, fasteners  330  combine with fastener  390  to attach a blade  314  to the saw handle  302  in three secure positions.  FIG. 3   b  illustrates a resulting configuration when the saw handle grip  300  is attached to the saw handle  302 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d , four alternate embodiments of a saw handle grip are illustrated. These four alternate embodiments may be constructed of any combination of the above discussed alternate saw handle grips, namely  100 ,  200 , and  300 . Using  FIGS. 3   a - 3   b  as examples,  FIG. 4   a  illustrates a saw handle grip  400   a  that sleeves the top  404  and bottom  406  of a saw handle  402 , and is secured to the saw handle  402  at the extreme two of three positions  408  used for attaching a blade  410  to the saw handle  402 . Further the saw handle grip  400   a  provides for a slightly wider hand opening to accommodate gloved hands.  
       FIG. 4   b  illustrates a saw handle grip  400   b  that may be sleeved over or inserted into a wooden portion of a saw handle  402  with bolt tabs (not shown) independent of blade screws  408 , which attach a blade  410  in 3 secure positions. The bolt tabs are configured to communicate with holes of the saw handle  402 .  FIG. 4   c  illustrates a saw handle grip  400   c  that sleeves the top  404  and bottom  406  of a saw handle  402 , and is secured to the saw handle  402  at the extreme two of three positions  408  used for attaching a blade  410  to the saw handle  402 . Further, an inset area  412  in the saw handle  402  is provided for the web of the user hand to rest in.  FIG. 4   d  illustrates a saw handle grip  400   d  that wraps fully around the handle portion of a saw handle  402 , and attaches to the saw handle  402  at three locations  414  independent of the locations  408  used for fastening a blade  410  to the saw handle  402 . Further, the saw handle grip  400   d  provides for a slightly larger hand opening to accommodate gloved hands.  
      Now referring to  FIGS. 5   a - 5   c , three embodiments of a drywall jab saw handle grip are illustrated. These three jab saw embodiments may be constructed of any combination of the above discussed alternate saw handle grips, namely  100 ,  200 , and  300 .  FIG. 5   a  illustrates a jab saw handle grip  500   a  that introduces a typically traditional design having a larger back end for palming and a thinner neck for precision work. In this embodiment, the jab saw handle grip  500   a  completely surrounds and engagingly encloses the jab saw handle core (not shown). The jab saw handle grip  500   a  is attached to the jab saw handle core via glue or other binding material. The jab saw handle core may be wooden or plastic.  
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates a jab saw handle  500   b  with a similar traditional design to the one introduced in  FIG. 5   a . However as shown, in this embodiment, the jab saw handle grip  500   b  does not completely enclose the saw handle core  502 , and portions of the bottom and back ends of the jab saw handle core  502  are visible. The jab saw handle grip  500   b  is attached to the jab saw handle core  502  via glue or other binding material.  FIG. 5   c  illustrates a jab saw handle grip  500   c  with a symmetrical design to allow for multiple hand positions, and a flat top  504  to provide for better gripping when rotating the jab saw handle grip  500   c  in the user&#39;s hand. In this embodiment, the jab saw handle grip  500   c  completely surrounds and engagingly encloses the jab saw handle core (not shown). The jab saw handle grip  500   b  is attached to the jab saw handle core (not shown) via glue or other binding material.  
      Specific embodiments of a saw handle grip, according to the present invention, have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.