Patent Publication Number: US-2023148387-A1

Title: Slide and lock appliance handle mounting

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to appliances and more particularly to appliance handles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Household appliances generally define one or more enclosures or cabinets for heating, cooling, washing, or drying; at least one control panel; and at least one door that allows a user to open and close the one or more enclosures or cabinets. Each door may have a handle to facilitate the user opening and closing the at least one door of the household appliance to place articles into the one or more enclosures or cabinets. The doors are sometimes made of multiple parts to better insulate the inner cavity to allow for proper temperature distribution, airflow, or waterproofing during use. A door may further include an outer panel and inner panel. The handle of the door may be mounted to an outer surface of the door, such as to the outer surface of a front panel, and often is configured as a vertical or lateral bar to allow a towel or other useful article to be stored thereon. An inner hinge assembly may allow the door to open and close. 
     Handles can generally be attached to the outer surface of the door by screws or other known fixtures or adhesives. Handles may be attached through a panel of the door, for example, attached by screwing a screw through the front panel of the door from an inner surface of the door through the front panel and attaching to the handle located on the outer surface of the door. The handle cannot be removed in this situation without taking the door apart to reach the screws internal to the door. Handles attached this way are not readily replaceable, which adds to repairs and limits design options. 
     Accordingly, a door handle that could be readily attached and detached from an outer surface of a door would be useful. Furthermore, a handle that could be readily switched out for a different handle due to a repair or design change would also be desirable. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an appliance is provided. The appliance may have a transverse, lateral and vertical direction, the directions orthogonal to one another. The appliance may include a cabinet defining an opening, a door attached to the cabinet that allows selective access into the opening, a handle attached to the door, and a handle endcap connecting the handle to the door. The handle endcap may be configured to removably attach the handle to the door. The handle endcap may include a slide lock receiver frame and a slide lock base. The slide lock receiver frame may include a locking tab wall and an outer case. The slide lock base may be removably attached to the slide lock receiver frame. The slide lock base may include a base body, a resilient locking tab and a tab protrusion. The resilient locking tab may be joined to the base body to selectively deflect in an inward direction. The tab protrusion may extend in an outward direction opposite of the inward direction to motivate the resilient locking tab inward in response to slidable movement of the tab protrusion along the locking tab wall. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure a handle for a household appliance is provided. The handle may define a lateral direction, a vertical direction and a transverse direction, each direction orthogonal to the other directions. The handle may include at least one handle endcap configured to connect the handle to a door. The handle endcap may be configured to removably attach the handle to the door. The handle endcap may include a slide lock receiver frame and a slide lock base. The slide lock receiver frame may include a locking tab wall and an outer case. The slide lock base may include a base body, a resilient locking tab, and a tab protrusion. The resilient locking tab may be joined to the base body to selectively deflect in an inward direction. The tab protrusion may extend in an outward direction opposite of the inward direction to motivate the resilient locking tab inward in response to slidable movement of the tab protrusion along the resilient locking tab wall. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: [will finish when FIGS. return from drafter] 
         FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an oven appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    provides a side, section view of the exemplary oven appliance of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    provides a side perspective section view of an exemplary handle endcap and a portion of an exemplary handle of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    provides a front elevation view of a portion of the exemplary handle of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary handle endcap of  FIG.  3    in a locked position; 
         FIG.  6    provides a side perspective section view of the exemplary handle endcap and a portion of the exemplary handle of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    provides a side perspective section view of the exemplary handle endcap and the portion of the exemplary handle of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  8    provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the exemplary handle endcap of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  9    provides a rear perspective section view of the exemplary handle endcap and portion of the exemplary handle of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary handle endcap of  FIG.  3    in an open position; 
         FIG.  11    provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary handle endcap of  FIG.  3    in a locked position; 
         FIG.  12    provides a rear elevation view of a pair of exemplary handle endcaps of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  13    provides a rear elevation view of an alternate pair of exemplary handle endcaps of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    provides a rear elevation view of an alternate pair of exemplary handle endcaps of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  15    provides a perspective view of an exemplary slide lock base of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  16    provides a side perspective section view of an exemplary handle endcap and a portion of an exemplary handle of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  17    provides a rear elevation view of the exemplary handle endcap of  FIG.  16   . 
     
    
    
     Use of the same of similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features unless the context indicates otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the oven appliance (e.g., when the door is in the closed position). For example, a user stands in front of the oven appliance to open a door and reaches into the internal chamber(s) to access items therein. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise, or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V). 
     Referring now to the figures, an exemplary appliance will be described in accordance with exemplary aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG.  1    provides a perspective view of an exemplary oven appliance  100  and  FIG.  2    provides a side cross-sectional view of oven appliance  100 . As illustrated, oven appliance  100  generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, oven appliance  100  includes a cabinet  102  that is generally configured for containing and/or supporting various components of oven appliance  100  and which may also define one or more internal chambers or compartments of oven appliance  100 . In this regard, as used herein, the terms “cabinet,” “housing,” and the like are generally intended to refer to an outer frame or support structure for oven appliance  100 , e.g., including any suitable number, type, and configuration of support structures formed from any suitable materials, such as a system of elongated support members, a plurality of interconnected panels, or some combination thereof. It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  does not necessarily require an enclosure and may simply include open structure supporting various elements of oven appliance  100 . By contrast, cabinet  102  may enclose some or all portions of an interior of cabinet  102 . It should be appreciated that cabinet  102  may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     As illustrated, cabinet  102  generally extends between a top  104  and a bottom  106  along the vertical direction V, between a first side  108  (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) and a second side  110  (e.g., the right side when viewed from the front as in  FIG.  1   ) along the lateral direction L, and between a front  112  and a rear  114  along the transverse direction T. In general, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing oven appliance  100 . 
     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, oven appliance  100  is provided by way of example only, and the present subject matter may be used in any suitable household appliance. The present subject matter may further be used with other household appliances such as microwave ovens, washing machine appliances, dryer appliances, dishwashing appliances, refrigerator appliances, etc. Oven appliance  100  will be described below, with the understanding that other embodiments may include or be provided as another suitable household appliance (e.g., defining an internal chamber). 
     Oven appliance  100  includes an internal chamber  116  disposed or defined within cabinet  102 . Internal chamber  116  is also referred to as internal chamber  116  as used herein and may be insulated. In some embodiments, internal chamber  116  is configured for the receipt of one or more items to be cooked, including food items. Cabinet  102  defines internal chamber  116  between a top wall  130  and a bottom wall  132 . Oven appliance  100  includes a door  120  rotatably mounted to cabinet  102  (e.g., with a hinge). A handle  118  is mounted to door  120  and assists a user with opening and closing door  120  in order to access internal chamber  116 . For example, a user can pull on handle  118  to open or close door  120  and access internal chamber  116  through a resultant opening. As would be understood, one or more internal heating elements (e.g., baking heating elements  178  or broiling heating elements  182 ) may be provided within internal chamber  116  to cook or otherwise heat items therein. 
     Oven appliance  100  can include a seal  122  (e.g., gasket) between door  120  and cabinet  102  that assists with maintaining heat and cooking fumes within internal chamber  116  when door  120  is closed as shown. Door  120  may include a window  124 , constructed for example from multiple parallel glass panes to provide for viewing the contents of internal chamber  116  when door  120  is closed and assist with insulating internal chamber  116 . A baking rack  126  may be positioned in internal chamber  116  for the receipt of food items or utensils containing food items. Baking rack  126  may be slidably received onto embossed ribs  128  or sliding rails such that baking rack  126  may be conveniently moved into and out of internal chamber  116  when door  120  is open. 
     Generally, various sidewalls define internal chamber  116 . For example, internal chamber  116  includes a top wall  130  and a bottom wall  132  that are spaced apart along the vertical direction V. Left and right sidewalls extend between top wall  130  and bottom wall  132 , and are spaced apart along the lateral direction L. A rear wall  134  may additionally extend between the top wall  130  and bottom wall  132  as well as between the left and right sidewalls, and is spaced apart from door  120  along the transverse direction T. In this manner, when door  120  is in the closed position, a cavity  136  (also referred to as “cooking cavity  136 ” herein) is defined by door  120  and top wall  130 , bottom wall  132 , sidewalls, rear wall  134  of internal chamber  116 . 
     In some examples, the top  104  includes a front panel  156  or cooktop panel  158 . Front panel  156  may be located transversely forward of cooktop panel  158 . Front panel  156  may house a controller  162  or controls  164 , as described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, the cooktop panel  158  may be proximal to a plurality of heating assemblies  166 , as described in more detail below. 
     A lower heating assembly (e.g., bake heating assembly  176 ) may be positioned in oven appliance  100 , and may include one or more heating elements (e.g., bake heating elements  178 ). Bake heating elements  178  may be disposed within internal chamber  116 , such as adjacent bottom wall  132 . In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, bake heating elements  178  are electric heating elements, as is generally understood. Alternatively, bake heating elements  178  may be gas burners or other suitable heating elements having other suitable heating sources. Bake heating elements  178  may generally be used to heat internal chamber  116  for both cooking and cleaning of oven appliance  100 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, an upper heating assembly (e.g., broil heating assembly  180 ) may be positioned in oven appliance  100 , and may include one or more upper heating elements (e.g., broil heating elements  182 ). Broil heating elements  182  may be disposed within internal chamber  116 , such as adjacent top wall  130 . In exemplary embodiments as illustrated, broil heating elements  182  are electric heating elements, as is generally understood. Alternatively, broil heating elements  182  may be gas burners or other suitable heating elements having other suitable heating sources. Broil heating elements  182  may additionally be used to heat internal chamber  116  for both cooking and cleaning of oven appliance  100 . 
     In some embodiments, oven appliance  100  includes a cooktop  186  positioned at cooktop panel  158  of oven appliance  100 . In such embodiments, cooktop panel  158  may be a generally planar member having an upward surface that is perpendicular to the vertical direction V. In particular, cooktop panel  158  may be formed from glass, glass ceramic, metal, or another suitable material. A plurality of heating assemblies (e.g., cooktop heating assemblies  166 ) may be mounted to or otherwise positioned on cooktop panel  158 . In some embodiments, cooktop heating assemblies  166  are positioned above internal chamber  116  of cabinet  102  (i.e., higher relative to the vertical direction V). Optionally, cooktop heating assemblies  166  may extend between internal chamber  116  and cooktop panel  158 , within an open region  190  that is defined between cooktop panel  158  and internal chamber  116 . Cooking utensils, such as pots, pans, griddles, etc., may be placed on cooktop panel  158  and heated with heating assemblies  166  during operation of the cooktop  186 . In  FIGS.  1  and  2   , cooktop heating assemblies  166  are shown as radiant heating elements mounted below cooktop panel  158 . However, in alternative example embodiments, cooktop heating assemblies  166  may be any suitable heating assembly, such as gas burner elements, resistive heating elements, induction heating elements, or other suitable heating elements. 
     The door  120  is mounted on the cabinet  102  below cooktop panel  158  to selectively allow access to the internal chamber  116  in a closed position. As may be seen in  FIG.  2   , door  120  extends between a top lip  192  and a bottom lip  194  (e.g., along the vertical direction V when door  120  is in the closed position). Door  120  may further extend between a front surface  196  and a rear surface  198  (e.g., along the transverse direction T when the door  120  is in the closed position). As will be described in greater detail below, a handle  118  may be provided on the door  120  proximal to top lip  192 . 
     In some embodiments, oven appliance  100  includes a drawer  168  movably mounted to cabinet  102 . For instance, drawer  168  may be slidably mounted to cabinet  102  to selectively move forward/rearward along the transverse direction T. One or more slidable rails, bearings, or assemblies  170  may be installed or mounted between drawer  168  and cabinet  102  to facilitate movement of drawer  168  relative to cabinet  102 , as would be understood. As shown, drawer  168  may be disposed generally below internal chamber  116 . In particular, drawer  168  may be disposed below door  120 . Generally, drawer  168  is disposed between first side  108  and second side  110  (e.g., along the lateral direction L). Optionally, drawer  168  may be disposed above bottom  106 . Alternatively, drawer  168  may be disposed below bottom wall  132  (e.g., such that an open cavity or recess is defined between panels below bottom wall  132  to receive drawer  168 ). 
     Oven appliance  100  is further equipped with a controller  162  to regulate operation of the oven appliance  100 . For example, controller  162  may regulate the operation of oven appliance  100 , including activation of heating elements as well as heating assemblies  166  generally. Controller  162  may be in operable communication (e.g., via a suitable electronic wired connection) with the heating elements and other components of the oven appliance  100 , as discussed herein. In general, controller  162  may be operable to configure the oven appliance  100  (and various components thereof) for cooking. Such configuration may be based on a plurality of cooking factors of a selected operating cycles, sensor feedback, etc. 
     By way of example, controller  162  may include one or more memory devices (e.g., non-transitive media) and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with an operating cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In exemplary embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. 
     Controller  162  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout oven appliance  100 . For instance, controller  162  may be located within a user interface panel (also referred to as control panel  160 ) of oven appliance  100 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . In some such embodiments, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of oven appliance  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through cabinet  102 . In some embodiments, controller  162  is in operable communication (e.g., electronic or wireless communication) with user interface panel and controls  164 , through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of oven appliance  100 . In optional embodiments, user interface panel may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In certain embodiments, user interface panel includes input components or controls  164 , such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. Additionally or alternatively, user interface panel may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface panel may be in operable communication with controller  162  via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. 
     Furthermore, the user interface panel (e.g., control panel  160 ) is located within convenient reach of a user of appliance. User interface panel includes various input components, such as one or more of a variety of touch-type controls  164 , electrical, mechanical, or electro-mechanical input devices including knobs, rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface panel may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device, designed to provide operational feedback to a user. 
     Various appliance features of appliance may be activated/deactivated by a user manipulating the input components on user interface panel. Thus, for example, when appliance is a cooktop  186  or oven appliance  100 , a user may manipulate knobs or buttons on user interface panel to activate and deactivate heating elements of the appliance. As another example, a user of appliance may set a timer on user interface panel. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one handle endcap, and each handle endcap may include a slide lock receiver frame with a locking tab wall and a slide lock base with a locking tab extending therefrom. When one of the slide lock receiver frame and the slide lock base is attached to the handle and the other is attached to the door, the handle may be removably attached to the door, the locking tab sliding past the locking tab wall, confining the slide lock base within the slide lock receiver frame and attaching the handle to the door. The locking tab can be raised to slide past the locking tab wall, separating the slide lock base and the slide lock receiver frame, and allowing the handle to slide off the door. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure include a handle that may be readily removed from or attached to the door. Additionally, alternate handles may also be readily attached to the door. 
     The remainder of the description describes features related to handle  118 . As such, handle  118  may define a lateral direction L, a vertical direction V, and a transverse direction T, as shown in  FIGS.  2  through  17   . Each direction defined by handle  118  may be orthogonal to the other directions. To aid in clarity of description, the orientation of handle  118  in  FIGS.  1  and  2    coordinates with the directions relative to appliance  100  in the remainder of the description (e.g., lateral direction L, vertical direction V and transverse direction T are the same L, T. or V direction whether defined in relation to appliance  100  or handle  118 ). Contrawise, in some embodiments, handle  118  may have directions that do not correspond with the directions defined by appliance  100 . For example, if handle  118  is attached to door  120  at top lip  192 , the directions defined in relation to handle  118 , and as used in the remainder of the detailed description and in  FIGS.  3  through  17    would not correspond to the directions defined by appliance  100  in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
     Turning generally to  FIGS.  2  through  9   , a handle endcap  200  is provided. Handle endcap  200  removably attaches handle  118  to door  120 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . Handle endcap  200  includes a slide lock receiver frame  202  and a slide lock base  204 . As shown, slide lock receiver frame  202  may be attached to handle  118  and slide lock base  204  may be attached to door  120 . Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments of the present disclosure, slide lock receiver frame  202  and slide lock base  204  may be in an opposite configuration, with slide lock receiver frame  202  attached to door  120  and slide lock base  204  attached to handle  118 . While the remainder of the description will describe the slide lock receiver frame  202  as attached to handle  118 , it is understood that embodiments described herein may be in the aforementioned opposite configuration, with slide lock receiver frame  202  attached to door  120  and slide lock base  204  attached to handle  118 , without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore,  FIGS.  3  through  17    do not generally show slide lock base  204  attached to door  120 , as such is omitted to allow for viewing of components and elements of handle endcap  200  with the understanding that slide lock base  204  may be attached to door  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , handle endcap  200  is located between handle  118  and door  120 . More specifically, handle endcap  200  may be located behind handle  118  and in front of door  120 . In some embodiments, handle endcap  200  may attach to door  120  at front surface  196 . In additional or alternate embodiments, handle endcap  200  may attach to door  120  at top lip  192 . During use, handle endcap  200  may be attached to both handle  118  and door  120 . 
     Generally, handle endcap  200  includes slide lock receiver frame  202 , shown as attached to handle  118  in  FIG.  3   , and slide lock base  204 , shown as removeable from slide lock receiver frame  202  in  FIG.  3   . Handle endcap  200  may connect handle  118  to door  120 . In some embodiments, handle endcap  200  may be configured to removably attach handle  118  to door  120 . Handle endcap  200  may also include a set of fasteners (not shown) provided to attach handle endcap  200  to door  120  and to handle  118 . The set of fasteners may include screws, glue, or equivalent fasteners, as known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , slide lock receiver frame  202  may be located forward of slide lock base  204  and beneath handle  118 . In some embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  may be located at a lateral end  140  of handle  118 . In certain embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  includes an outer case  210  and a locking tab wall  208  attached and extending internal to outer case  210 . In certain embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  further includes at least one inner cross beam  218  and a central inner cross beam  220 . Additionally or alternatively, slide lock receiver frame  202  may include a set of wings  206 . When assembled, slide lock receiver frame  202  may cover slide lock base  204 . 
     Generally, slide lock base  204  may include a base body  212 , a resilient locking tab  214  extending from base body  212 . In some embodiments, slide lock base  204  may further include a tab protrusion  216 . Tab protrusion  216  may extend from resilient locking tab  214 . In certain embodiments, slide lock base  204  may include a set of blades  238  extending on either side of base body  212 . In additional or alternate embodiments, slide lock base  204  defines a base tab channel  250  running along a length of base body  212  between base body  212  and resilient locking tab  214 . During use, slide lock base  204  may move between a locked position  252  and an unlocked position  254  within slide lock receiver frame  202 . 
     Returning to slide lock receiver frame  202 , locking tab wall  208  is generally located within outer case  210 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , locking tab wall  208  may be orthogonal to a side wall  228 , extending inward and upward from side wall  228 . In some embodiments, locking tab wall  208  may further extend transversely across a majority a transverse length of side wall  228 . In certain embodiments, locking tab wall  208  extends transversely across an entire transverse length of side wall  228 . Additionally or alternatively, locking tab wall  208  may extends vertically to a height less than a vertical height of resilient locking tab  214 , that is also greater than a lowest position of a tab protrusion  216  that extends from resilient locking tab  214  (e.g., when handle endcap  200  is in locked position  252 ). During use, locking tab wall  208  may prevent movement of slide lock base  204  when slide lock base  204  is in locked position  252 , with tab protrusion  216  abutting locking tab wall  208 . In some embodiments, locking tab wall  208  may aid in creating a friction fit between slide lock base  204  and slide lock receiver frame  202 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  5   , outer case  210  may form an outside shell of slide lock receiver frame  202 . Outer case  210  may attach to handle  118 . Contrawise, in some embodiments, outer case  210  may attach to door  120 . Outer case  210  may include a set of side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 . Outer case  210  may define a void  230  along one wall of the set of side walls (e.g., side wall  228 ). In some embodiments, void  230  allows a pin  232  to enter into outer case  210  to unlock slide lock base  204  from slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, outer case  210  is attached to a set of wings  206 . Wings  206  may be orthogonal to set of side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 . During use, outer case  210  may be sized to friction fit slide lock base  204 , when slide lock base  204  is in locked position  252 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  4 ,  5 , and  6   , set of side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 , and  228  may form an outer perimeter of slide lock receiver frame  202 . As shown, side walls  222  and  226  may be parallel to one another, and perpendicular to side walls  224 ,  228 . In turn, side walls  224  and  228  may be parallel to one another and perpendicular to side walls  222  and  226 . In some embodiments, side wall  228  may define void  230 , aligning void  230  vertically with locked position  252  of resilient locking tab  214 . In certain embodiments, base body  212  abuts at least one side wall (e.g., side wall  222 ) when base body  212  is in locked position  252 , forming a friction fit between the at least one side wall (e.g., side wall  222 ) and locking tab wall  208 . In additional or alternate embodiments, base body  212  in locked position  252  abuts side walls  222 ,  224 , or  228 , forming a friction fit between side walls  222 ,  224  or  228  and locking tab wall  208  in locked position  252 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, inner cross beams  218  may extend within slide lock receiver frame  202 . As shown, inner cross beams  218  may extend between side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  of outer case  210 . In some embodiments, inner cross beams  218  may extend vertically in between opposing side walls  224 ,  228  or extend longitudinally between opposing side walls  222 ,  226 . When assembled, inner cross beams  218  may be forward of set of wings  206  or of slide lock base  204 . Inner cross beams  218  may include a fastener support  234 . Inner cross beams  218  may be located transversely forward of set of wings  206  such that a transverse width of slide lock base  204  may be confined transversely forward of set of wings  206  and transversely back from inner cross beams  218 . 
     In some embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  may include a stabilizing wall  256 . Stabilizing wall  256  may be located vertically above locking tab wall  208 . Stabilizing wall  256  may be located similar to locking tab wall  208 , extending internally along a transverse length of outer case  210 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  6   , stabilizing wall  256  may be longitudinally aligned with locking tab wall  208 . Stabilizing wall  256  may extend downward into slide lock receiver frame  202  to confine or align slide lock base  204  in slide lock receiver frame  202 . 
     Fastener support  236  may define fastening opening  236 , allowing a fastener (not pictured) to attach slide lock receiver frame  202  to one of handle  118  and door  120  by placing the fastener through a fastening opening  236  and into either handle  118  or door  120 . Fastener support  236  may provide support to the connection between slide lock receiver frame  202 , the fastener (not pictured) and one of handle  118  and door  120 . For example, the fastener may be inserted transversely through fastener opening  236  and into handle  118 , attaching slide lock receiver frame  202  to handle  118 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, central inner cross beam  220  may extend within slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  extends between side wall  226  and side wall  222 , extending longitudinally between opposing side walls. In some embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  extends between a vertical inner cross beam  218 A and side wall  222 . In certain embodiments, and as shown in  FIG.  4   , central inner cross beam  220  extends lengthwise from side wall  222 , extending transversely backward at a distance greater than the transverse distance of inner cross beams  218 . In some embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  is attached to at least one of inner cross beams  218 . According to the arrangement, central inner cross beam  220  may extend transversely rearward and may removably attach to slide lock base  204  at cross beam channel  242  along base body  212 . In some embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  may aid in aligning or guiding slide lock base  204  into locked position  252 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , central inner cross beam  220  may be placed in cross beam channel  242  when slide lock base  204  is in locked position  252 . In some embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  may aid in confining slide lock base  204  in locked position  252  with locking tab wall  208 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 ,  6 , and  7   , slide lock receiver frame  202  may include set of wings  206 . Generally, set of wings  206  may extend from slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, set of wings  206  may further be offset from resilient locking tab wall  208 . As shown, set of wings  206  may be offset from resilient locking tab wall  208  in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, set of wings  206  may extend from opposing side walls in set of side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , such as at least one separate or discrete wing  206  extending from each side wall  224  and side wall  228 , as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . Thus, one (e.g., first) wing  206  may extend from side wall  224  while another (e.g., second) wing  206  extends from side wall  228 . Additionally or alternatively, set of wings  206  may be each attached to opposing internal sides of outer case  210 , each wing  206  extending towards other wing  206  in set of wings  206 . In some embodiments, set of wings  206  extends vertically towards central inner cross beam  220 , attaching at a transverse rearward position on outer case  210  (e.g., at a transverse rearward position of side walls  224  and  228 ). 
     Set of wings  206  may aid in forming a friction fit between slide lock base  204  and slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, set of wings  206  aligns transversely behind a set of blades  238  on slide lock base  204 , overlapping each wing  206  with a corresponding blade  238 . When assembled in locked position  252 , set of wings  206  may be transversely behind blades  238 , overlapping blades  238  of slide lock base  204 . As would be understood, set of wings  206  may confine set of blades  238  in slide lock receiver frame  202  when in locked position  252 . 
     In some embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  further defines void  230 . In additional or alternative embodiments, void  230  is aligned (e.g., vertically aligned) with a portion  215  of resilient locking tab  214  along a length of slide lock receiver frame  202 . The alignment of void  230  may allow a pin  232  to be inserted past side wall  228  and removably attach to resilient locking tab  214 . 
     As would be understood, handle endcap  200  may further comprise pin  232 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . Pin  232  may generally be an elongated member with a diameter smaller than void  230  to allow pin  232  to be actuated through void  230 . Pin  232  may be aligned with portion  215  of resilient locking tab  214  along a length of slide lock receiver frame  202 . During use, pin  232  may selectively lift tab protrusion  216  above locking tab wall  208 . For example, pin  232  may be raised vertically, raising resilient locking tab  214 , which may raise tab protrusion  216  vertically above locking tab wall  208 . In some embodiments, pin  232  is actuated through void  230 . Pin  232  may further be orthogonal to resilient locking tab  214 . In certain embodiments, pin  232  is attached to slide lock receiver frame  202  at void  230 . In additional or alternative embodiments, pin  232  is removable from handle endcap  200 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  9   , slide lock base  204  is removably attached to slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, slide lock base  204  is further located behind and internal to slide lock receiver frame  202  when in locked position  252 . In certain embodiments, slide lock base  204  is attached to an outer surface  142  of door  120 . In additional or alternate embodiments, slide lock base  204  is attached to a lateral end of outer surface  142 . When assembled, slide lock base  204  is confined by slide lock receiver frame  202 , with outer case  210  generally confining slide lock base  204 . In some embodiments, slide lock receiver frame  202  confines slide lock base  204  within outer case  210 . Side walls  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  may further confine slide lock base  204 . Optionally, stabilizing wall  256  may confine slide lock base  204  with locking tab wall  208  vertically. In some embodiments, slide lock base  204  may be moveable between unlocked position  254  and locked position  252  in a lateral direction, between opposing side walls  222 ,  226 . 
     Additionally or alternatively to parts described above, slide lock base  204  may include cross beam channel  242 , which may be slidably attached to central inner cross beam  220 . In some embodiments, slide lock base  204  may include a locking tab support  244 , as shown in  FIGS.  8 ,  9   , configured to strengthen the attachment of resilient locking tab  214  to base body  212 . The parts of slide lock base  204  will now be described in greater detail. 
     In some embodiments, base body  212  is located vertically above and laterally next to resilient locking tab  214 , resilient locking tab  214  extending from a lower extended portion of base body  212 . Base body  212  and resilient locking tab  214  may define base tab channel  250 , base tab channel  250  extending longitudinally between base body  212  and resilient locking tab  214 , with resilient locking tab  214  vertically below base tab channel  250 . 
     As previously described, slide lock base  204  further includes set of blades  238 . Generally, blades  238  extend from base body  212 . In some embodiments, blades  238  are offset (e.g., offset laterally) from resilient locking tab  214 . Furthermore, blades  238  may be slidably aligned forward to set of wings  206 . For example, in locked position, and as shown in  FIG.  7   , blades  238  are transversely in front of wings  206 . Wings  206  combined with outer case  210  may confine blades  238  while locking tab wall  208  confines resilient locking tab  214 . The interlocking of blades  238  with wings  206  may confine or help to confine slide lock base  204 , attaching or aiding in attaching handle  118  to door  120 . In some embodiments, blades  238  are attached to base body  212  on a surface of base body  212  orthogonal to the direction resilient locking tab  214  extends from base body  212 . Blades  238  may be each be located on opposing positions of said surface of base body  212 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , blades  238  are attached at opposing vertical ends of a transversely forward surface of base body  212  while resilient locking tab  214  extends laterally from base body  212 . In some embodiments, cross beam channel  242  may extend between blades  238 . In certain embodiments, blades  238  may define cross beam channel  242 , with central inner cross beam  220  filling cross beam channel  242  between blades  238  on base body  212 . 
     Base fastener opening  246  may be defined by base body  212 . Base fastener opening  246 , as shown in  FIG.  8   , may extend through base body  212  (e.g., extending through transverse length of base body  212 ). A fastener (not pictured) may attach slide lock base  204  to one of handle  118  and door  120  by placing the fastener through base fastener opening  246  and into either handle  118  or door  120 . For example, the fastener (not pictured) may be inserted transversely through base fastener opening  246  and into door  120 , attaching slide lock base  204  to door  120  (e.g., at outer surface  142  of door  120 ). In some embodiments, two fasteners may be included in handle endcap  200 , a first fastener extending through fastener opening  236  and the second fastener extending through base fastener opening  246 . 
     Resilient locking tab  214  may be generally joined to base body  212 . In some embodiments, resilient locking tab  214  extends along a length of base body  212 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  8   , resilient locking tab  214  extends along a lower lateral length of base body  212 . Resilient locking tab  214  may be moveable in a vertical direction, toward base tab channel  250 , and may selectively deflect in an inward direction toward base tab channel  250 . Resilient locking tab support  244  may strengthen the attachment of resilient locking tab  214  to base body  212 . During use, resilient locking tab support  244  may strengthen attachment of locking tab  214  to base body  212  as locking tab  214  deflects during movement into locked position  252 . 
     Tab protrusion  216  may extend from a lengthwise end of resilient locking tab  214 . In some embodiments, tab protrusion  216  is perpendicular to the length of base body  212  (e.g., the lateral length of base body  212 ). In certain embodiments, tab protrusion  216  is further perpendicular to the length of resilient locking tab  214  (e.g., the lateral length of base body  212 ). For example, tab protrusion  216  extends vertically below resilient locking tab  214  at lengthwise end  248  of locking tab  214 , as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     As previously described, tab protrusion  216  abuts resilient locking tab wall  208 . In some embodiments, a friction fit is formed by the aforementioned abutment, between slide lock base  204  and outer case  210 . Such friction fit may be formed when slide lock base  204  is in locked position  252 . Tab protrusion  216  may further be deflectable in an inward direction (e.g., vertically upward), towards base body  212  to motivate resilient locking tab  214  inward and over locking tab wall  208  during movement between unlocked position  254  and locked position  252 . 
     In some embodiments, a taper  240  aids in movement of resilient locking tab  214 . Taper  240  may be attached to both tab protrusion  216  and resilient locking tab  214 . In some embodiments, taper  240  extends behind tab protrusion  216 , taper  240  narrowing from tab protrusion  216  to a lower side  241  of resilient locking tab  214 . For example, in  FIG.  9   , taper  240  is laterally behind tab protrusion and vertically below resilient locking tab  214 . Taper  240  may be on an opposite side of tab protrusion  216  from lengthwise end  248  of resilient locking tab  214 . During use, taper  240  may aid upward deflection of resilient locking tab  214  over locking tab wall  208 , guiding locking tab  214  upward smoothly as slide lock base  204  moves into locked position  252 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  10  and  11   ,  FIG.  10    depicts handle endcap  200  in unlocked position  254  and  FIG.  11    depicts handle endcap  200  in locked position  252 . During assembly, slide lock receiver frame  202  aligns with slide lock base  204  in unlocked position  254  as shown in  FIG.  10   . Slide lock base  204  may be vertically aligned with base body  212  above locking tab wall  208  when in unlocked position  254 . In some embodiments, base body  212  may further be aligned below stabilizing wall  256  in unlocked position  254 . In certain embodiments, central inner cross beam  220  may be aligned into cross beam channel  242  in unlocked position  254 . Slide lock receiver frame  202  may confine slide lock base  204  within outer case in unlocked position  254 . 
     To lock handle endcap  200 , slide lock base  204  slides in relation to slide lock receiver frame  202  (e.g., slide lock base  204  slides in lateral direction L toward side wall  222 ). As slide lock base  204  moves across locking tab wall  208 , resilient locking tab  214  engages locking tab wall  208 , sliding across a top surface of locking tab wall  208 . In some embodiments, taper  240  on resilient locking tab  214  engages with locking tab wall  208  as slide lock base  204  moves laterally within slide lock receiver frame  202 . As taper  240  moves across locking tab wall  208 , resilient locking tab  214  may be vertically raised toward base tab channel  250 . In some embodiments, resilient locking tab  214  joined to base body  212  selectively deflects in an inward direction. Tab protrusion  216  may extend in an outward direction opposite the inward direction to motivate resilient locking tab inward in response to slidable movement of tab protrusion  216  along locking tab wall  208 . When tab protrusion  216  reaches locking tab wall  208 , slide lock base  204  may continue moving laterally toward locked position  252 , and resilient locking tab  214  may have reached a maximum deflection, moving laterally and not vertically as tab protrusion  216  moves laterally across locking tab wall  208 . When slide lock base  204  reaches locked position  252 , tab protrusion  216  clears locking tab wall  208 , and resilient locking tab  214  deflects back into an elastic resting position behind locking tab wall  208 . 
     Generally, in locked position  252 , and as shown in  FIG.  11   , slide lock base  204  is transversely behind slide lock receiver frame  202 . In some embodiments, locked position  252  includes aligning blades  238  with wings  206 . Locked position  252  may include aligning central inner cross beam  220  into cross beam channel  242 . In embodiments with wings  206 , slide lock base  204  is transversely behind slide lock receiver frame  202  save set of wings  206  of slide lock receiver frame  202 . Slide lock base  204  may be confined by slide lock receiver frame  202  in locked position  252 . 
     When tab protrusion  216  is raised above locking tab wall  208  (e.g., by pin  232  entering through void  230 ), slide lock base  204  may be moved from locked position  252  into unlocked position  254 , and may separate from slide lock receiver frame  202 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  12 ,  13 , and  14   , handle  118  may include at least one handle endcap  200 . In certain embodiments, the at least one handle endcap  200  includes a pair of handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B. Handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B may attach to opposing lateral ends  140  of handle  118  and to opposing lateral ends  260  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) of door  120 . In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIG.  12   , handle endcaps  200 A and  200 B may be the same, each handle endcap  200 A,  200 B including resilient locking tab  214 , tab protrusion  216  and locking tab wall  208 . 
     In alternate embodiments, and as shown in  FIGS.  13 ,  14   , each handle endcap  200 A, may be different from handle endcap  200 B. For example, only one of handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B may have locked position  252  and unlocked position  254 , with the other of handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B only having an unlocked position  255 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , one handle endcap (e.g., handle endcap  200 B) may include resilient locking tab  214 , and tab protrusion  216 , but not include locking tab wall  208 . The other handle endcap (e.g., handle endcap  200 A) may include resilient locking tab  214 , tab protrusion  216  and locking tab wall  208 . Hence, as shown in  FIG.  13   , handle endcap  200 B does not have locking position  252 . A friction fit between slide lock receiver frame  202  attached to slide lock base  204  may attach handle  118  to door  120  at handle endcap  200 B, with only a lock present at handle endcap  200 A. Though handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B are shown in  FIGS.  12 ,  13 ,  14    with handle endcap  200 A on a left and handle endcap  200 B on a right, handle endcaps  200 A,  200 B may be switched without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIG.  14   , one handle endcap (e.g., handle endcap  200 B) may include locking tab wall  208  but not include resilient locking tab  214  nor tab protrusion  216 . The other handle endcap (e.g., handle endcap  200 A) may include resilient locking tab  214 , tab protrusion  216  and locking tab wall  208 . 
     Turning to  FIGS.  15 ,  16 , and  17   , in some alternate embodiments, slide lock base  204  may further include a lateral tab protrusion  262 . Lateral tab protrusion  262  may extend laterally beyond a lateral position on resilient locking tab  214  where tab protrusion  216  extends below resilient locking tab  214 . As shown, lateral tab protrusion  262  may rest on a top surface  264  of locking tab wall  208 , with tab protrusion  216  still being behind locking tab wall  208  in locked position  252 . In some such embodiments, locking tab  214 , tab protrusion  216 , and lateral tab protrusion  262  form a “T” shape at an endpoint of locking tab  214 . In some embodiments, in locked position  252 , lateral tab protrusion  262  and tab protrusion  216  are confined against locking tab wall  208  at a corner formed by lateral tab protrusion  262  meeting tab protrusion  216 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.