Abstract:
Lifting systems and processes for building systems, including fenestration devices such as door and window units. One such system includes a fenestration device having a nailing fin and a lift handle attached to the nailing fin. The handle includes a channel disposed proximate a flange of the lift handle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to lift handle products and processes for building systems, and more particularly to lift handles for doors and windows. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Door and window assemblies are commonly sold in retail settings. These doors and windows can be large, heavy, and cumbersome to handle and transport. Devices and methods that facilitate the handling and transportation of such doors and windows by customers and sales staff can reduce physical strain on individuals, as well as reduce damage to these goods. 
         [0003]    Plastic handles that attach directly to wooden doors and windows can be used to transport wooden doors and windows. One such handle is manufactured by LCS Precision Molding and is marketed as LCSR2466 Lift Handle. Generally, a pair of such plastic handles is screwed directly onto opposing sides of a frame of a wooden door. The jamb on a wooden door is typically hidden inside a wall when installed in a building structure. Thus, several screw holes in a wooden frame remaining after the handles have been removed are of little consequence to the structural integrity or appearance of the wooden door or window. 
         [0004]    Many door and window assemblies, however, are made of vinyl rather than wood. The handles described above that can be attached directly to wooden doors and windows cannot be used on vinyl doors and windows without marring the outward, finished appearance or adversely affecting the structural integrity of vinyl doors and windows. Thus, vinyl doors and windows sold in a retail setting generally include wooden framing on top of or around the door on which to attach a handle. 
         [0005]    Such framing for doors and windows, however, increases the cost and weight of the door or window. The increased cost can be attributed to the extra packaging materials required as well as additional manufacturing steps and labor involved in applying the additional packaging to the doors and windows. Additionally, the purchaser expends additional time and labor to remove the packaging. Moreover, this additional packaging typically is not recycled, and thus, increases waste, which likely is ultimately disposed of in a landfill. 
         [0006]    What is needed are products and processes that can improve the handling and transportation of door and window assemblies. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The present invention comprises products and processes for lift handles for building systems, such as door and window assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a flange and a channel disposed proximate the flange. The flange comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with a frame. The channel is adapted to be coupled with a fin of the frame. Such products and processes may be used with building systems made of any particular material, including vinyl and wood. 
         [0008]    In another exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a frame and a handle. The frame comprises a fin. The handle comprises a flange comprising a first surface and a second surface and a channel disposed proximate the flange. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with a frame. The channel is adapted to be coupled with a fin of the frame. 
         [0009]    In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method comprises providing a flange and providing a channel disposed proximate the flange. The flange comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with the frame. The channel is adapted to be coupled with a fin of the frame. 
         [0010]    In a further embodiment, a method of coupling a handle with a frame comprises coupling a channel with a fin of the frame. The handle comprises a flange comprising a first surface and a second surface. The channel is disposed proximate the flange. 
         [0011]    An advantage of the present invention can be to provide a reversible or ambidextrous handle. 
         [0012]    Another advantage of the present invention can be to provide a handle that can be directly attached to a door or window assembly without damaging an outer, visible surface. 
         [0013]    Yet another advantage of the present invention can be to provide a handle that can be re-used or recycled. 
         [0014]    Still another advantage of the present invention can be to reduce an amount of packaging for doors and windows used to transport the doors and windows. 
         [0015]    Still another advantage of the present invention can be to provide a handle that can be removed easily from a door or window assembly. 
         [0016]    These exemplary embodiments are mentioned not to summarize the invention, but to provide an example of an embodiment of the invention to aid understanding. Exemplary embodiments are discussed in the Detailed Description, and further description of the invention is provided there. Advantages offered by the various embodiments of the present invention may be understood by examining this specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification, help to illustrate the embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like elements throughout. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a method according to the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a method according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a handle according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the handle of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    Embodiments of the present invention comprise products and processes for forming lifting devices for building systems, such as window and door assemblies. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of one door assembly  1  according to the principles of the present invention is shown. The door assembly  1  shown comprises a plurality of frame members, such as a stile  2  and a rail  3 , which form a perimeter defining a rectangular-like shape. Alternatively, other suitable shapes can be used, such as square, polygonal, or arcuate shapes. In one embodiment, the door assembly  1  comprises a vinyl door assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the assembly comprises a vinyl window assembly. Alternatively, other suitable materials for the door assembly  1  can be used. 
         [0026]    In the embodiment shown, there are at least two substantially parallel stiles  2  and at least two substantially parallel rails  3 . Also, the stiles  2  are disposed substantially perpendicular to the rails  3 . The stiles  2  and the rails  3  forming the door assembly  1  define a pane  5 , in which a sheet of glass or other suitable transparent material is disposed. 
         [0027]    Disposed along the perimeter of the door assembly  1  is a nailing fin  4 . Typically, the nailing fin  4  secures the door assembly  1  to a structural member or frame of a building structure. Generally, fasteners, such as nails, are driven through the nailing fin  4  and into the structural members of the building structure. In one embodiment, orifices are formed in the nailing fin  4  to accommodate the fasteners. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the nailing fin  4  is disposed along the entire perimeter of door assembly  1 . In another embodiment, the nailing fin  4  is disposed along a portion of the door assembly  1 . Preferably, the nailing fin  4  is formed integrally with the stiles  2  and rails  3 . Alternatively, the nailing fin  4  is formed separately from the door assembly  1  and attached to the stiles  2  and rails  3  using suitable means, such as for example, using adhesives or fasteners. 
         [0029]    Preferably, a handle  10  is coupled to the door assembly  1 . The handle  10  is preferably used to facilitate an individual&#39;s grasping, lifting, handling, and transporting of the door assembly  1 . The positioning of the handle  10  varies according to the size, shape, and weight of the door assembly  1 . Thus, the position of the handle  10  is not limited to that shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, although only one handle  10  is shown, more than one handle  10  can improve an individual&#39;s manipulation of the door assembly  1 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one embodiment of a handle  10  according to the present invention is shown. Typically, the handle  10  is made of a plastic material and is injection molded and formed as a unitary member. Alternatively, the handle  10  can be formed of other suitable materials and of separate components and coupled together by suitable means. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the handle  10  comprises a first end  11  and a second end  12 . The second end  12  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  11 . Disposed between the first and second ends  11 , 12  is a first flange  13 . In one embodiment, the first flange  13  comprises a first end  13   a  and a second end  13   b . The second end  13   b  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  13   a.    
         [0032]    Preferably, the first flange  13  comprises a first surface  15  and a second surface  17 . Generally, the first and second surfaces  15 , 17  are disposed in facing opposition and are substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces  15 , 17  are disposed in other suitable configurations. In one embodiment, the first flange  13  comprises a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, other suitable shapes can be used for the first flange  13 . 
         [0033]    The first surface  15  is adapted to be coupled to the frame—preferably the stile  2 —of the door assembly  1 . Preferably, when coupled to the frame, the first surface  15  is disposed substantially adjacent to the frame. In one embodiment, the first surface  15  is disposed substantially contiguous to the frame. 
         [0034]    Disposed between the first and second ends  11 , 12  is a second flange  14 . In one embodiment, the first and second flanges  13 , 14  comprise a single, unitary flange. Other suitable configurations can be used. In one embodiment, the first and second flanges  13 , 14  are disposed substantially parallel to and coplanar with one another. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the second flange  14  comprises a first end  14   a  and a second end  14   b . The second end  14   b  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  14   a . Preferably, the second flange  14  comprises a first surface  16  and a second surface  18 . Generally, the first and second surfaces  16 , 18  are disposed in facing opposition and are substantially parallel to one another. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces  16 , 18  are disposed in other suitable configurations. In one embodiment, the second flange  14  comprises a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, other suitable shapes can be used for the second flange  14 . 
         [0036]    The first surface  16  is adapted to be coupled to the frame—preferably the stile  2 —of the door assembly  1 . Preferably, when coupled to the frame, the first surface  16  is disposed substantially adjacent to the frame. In one embodiment, the first surface  16  is disposed substantially contiguous to the frame. 
         [0037]    Preferably, the handle  10  comprises a first channel  20 . The first channel  20  is adapted to be coupled with the nailing fin  4  of the door assembly  1 . In one embodiment, the first channel  20  is adapted to receive the nailing fin  4 . Preferably, the first channel  20  is disposed proximate the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . In one embodiment, the first channel  20  is disposed proximate the first end  13   a  of the first flange and the second end  14   a  of the second flange  14 . Generally, the first channel  20  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . 
         [0038]    The first channel  20  comprises a first end  21  and the second end  22 . The first and second ends  21 , 22  of the first channel  20  are disposed on opposing sides of the first channel  20 . The first channel  20  spans substantially continuously from the first end  21  to the second end  22 . 
         [0039]    The first channel  20  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  23 , a second leg  24 , and an intermediate portion  25 . The intermediate portion  25  joins the first and second legs  23 , 24 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the first channel  20  formed by the first leg  23 , the second leg  24 , and the intermediate portion  25  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0040]    A depth of the first channel  20  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door assembly  1  can be effectively manipulated by an individual grasping the handle  10 . Alternatively, other suitable configurations for the first channel  20  can be used. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the first channel  20  comprises means for securing the nailing fin  4 . Preferably, the securing means is provided in both the first and second ends  21 , 22  of the first channel  20 . The securing means comprises a first receiving member  26  coupled with the first leg  23  and a first shaft  27  coupled with the second leg  24 . Preferably, the first receiving member  26  and the first shaft  27  are formed as integral elements of the handle  10 . Alternatively, the first receiving member  26  and the first shaft  27  can be formed separately and coupled with the handle  10 . 
         [0042]    The first receiving member  26  is adapted to receive a head of a self-tapping screw (not shown). The first shaft  27  is a generally cylindrical-shaped solid portion formed of the same material as the handle  10 . Typically, the first shaft  27  is disposed along an axis common with that of the receiving member. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the handle  10  is secured to the nailing fin  4 , and thus the door assembly  1 , by engaging a self-tapping screw through first leg  23 , through a portion of the nailing fin  4  disposed in the first channel  20 , and into the first shaft  27 . Alternatively, other suitable securing means can be used, such as rivets, adhesives, and friction fits. 
         [0044]    The securing means also comprises a second receiving member  28  and a second shaft  29 , which are disposed proximate the second end  22 . A detailed description of the second receiving member  28  and the second shaft  29  is not provided, as the configuration and function of the second receiving member  28  and the second shaft  29  are similar to that described above with reference to the first receiving member  26  and the first shaft  27 . 
         [0045]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the first channel  20  intersects the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . Thus, the first channel  20  forms a distinct first end  13   a  and a distinct second end  13   b  of the first flange  13  and a distinct first end  14   a  and a distinct second end  14   b  of the second flange  14 . 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, the handle  10  comprises a second channel  30 . The second channel  30  is provided to accommodate varying door assembly configurations, including, for example, using the handle  10  for either left-hand or right-hand door or window assembly configurations or mirror-image door or window assembly configurations. Thus, the second channel  30  permits using a single handle  10  for a variety of door or window assembly configurations rather than using a specific handle for a pre-determined door or window assembly configuration. 
         [0047]    The second channel  30  is disposed proximate the second end  12  of the handle  10 . In one embodiment, the second channel  30  is contiguous to the second end  12  of the handle  10 . Preferably, the second channel  30  is disposed proximate the second ends  13   b , 14   b  of the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . In one embodiment, the second channel  30  is disposed adjacent to the second ends  13   b , 14   b  of the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . Preferably, the second channel  30  is disposed substantially parallel with the first channel  20 , and thus, substantially orthogonal to the first and second flanges  13 , 14 . 
         [0048]    The second channel  30  comprises a first end  31  and a second end  32 . The first and second ends  31 , 32  of the second channel  30  are disposed on opposing sides of the second channel  30 . The second channel  30  spans substantially continuously from the first end  31  to the second end  32 . 
         [0049]    The second channel  30  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  33 , a second leg  34 , and an intermediate portion  35 . The intermediate portion  35  joins the first and second legs  33 , 34 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the second channel  30  formed by the first leg  33 , the second leg  34 , and the intermediate portion  35  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0050]    The second channel  30  is adapted to be coupled with the nailing fin  4  of the door assembly  1 . In one embodiment, the second channel  30  is adapted to receive the nailing fin  4 . A depth of the second channel  30  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door assembly  1  can be effectively manipulated by an individual grasping the handle  10 . Alternatively, other suitable configurations for the second channel  30  can be used. 
         [0051]    In one embodiment, the second channel  30  comprises means for securing the nailing fin  4 . Preferably, the securing means is provided in both the first and second ends  31 , 32  of the second channel  30 . The securing means comprises a first receiving member  36  coupled with the second leg  34  and a first shaft  37  coupled with the first leg  33 . Preferably, the first receiving member  36  and the first shaft  37  are formed as integral elements of the handle  10 . Alternatively, the first receiving member  36  and the first shaft  37  can be formed separately and coupled with the handle  10 . 
         [0052]    The first receiving member  36  is adapted to receive a head of a self-tapping screw (not shown). The first shaft  37  is a generally cylindrical-shaped solid portion formed of the same material as the handle  10 . Typically, the first shaft  37  is disposed along an axis common with that of the receiving member  36 . 
         [0053]    As described above, the nailing fin  4  is typically disposed in either the first channel  20  or the second channel  30 . Thus, only the channel in which the nailing fin  4  is disposed is the securing means utilized. Where the nailing fin  4  is disposed in the second channel  30 , the handle  10  is preferably secured to the nailing fin  4 , and thus the door assembly  1 , by engaging a self-tapping screw through second leg  34 , through a portion of the nailing fin  4  disposed in the second channel  30 , and into the first shaft  37 . Alternatively, other suitable securing means can be used, such as rivets, adhesives, and friction fits. 
         [0054]    The securing means also comprises a second receiving member  38  and a second shaft  39 , which are disposed proximate the second end  32 . A detailed description of the second receiving member  38  and the second shaft  39  is not provided, as the configuration and function of the second receiving member  38  and the second shaft  39  are similar to that described above with reference to the first receiving member  36  and the first shaft  37 . 
         [0055]    Preferably, the handle  10  comprises a grip  19 . The grip  19  is adapted to be grasped by an individual or a suitable grasping or attaching device, such as for example, a hook or a tied rope. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , one view or cross-section of the grip  19  is substantially hemispherical-shaped. The grip  19  also may include pre-formed ridges (not shown) or grooves (not shown) to improve grasping by a hand or attachment by a device. 
         [0056]    The grip  19  is preferably formed of the same material and as a unitary element of the handle  10 . Alternatively, the grip  19  can be formed of other suitable materials and separate from the handle  10 , and attached to the handle  10  using suitable attaching means. 
         [0057]    Preferably, the grip  19  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the first channel  20 . In one embodiment, the grip  19  extends substantially continuously from the first end  11  to the second end  12  of the handle  10 . The grip  19  comprises a first end  19   a  and a second end  19   b . Preferably, the first end  19   a  is coupled with the first end  11  of the handle  10  and the second end  19   b  is coupled with the second end  12  of the handle  10 . 
         [0058]    In one embodiment, a portion of the grip  19  is coupled with the intermediate portion  25  of the first channel  20  and with the intermediate portion  35  of the second channel  30 . Alternatively, other suitable configurations can be used to provide the grip  19  with sufficient dimensional stability to effectively manipulate the door assembly  1 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a method  40  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method  40  may be used to form the handle  10  for use with the door assembly  1 , as described above. However, the method  40  may be used to form other handles for use with the door assembly  1  or with other door or window assemblies. Items shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , as well as the description above, are referred to in describing  FIG. 4  to aid understanding of the embodiment of the method  40  shown. 
         [0060]    As indicated by block  42 , the method  40  comprises providing a flange comprising a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with a frame. In one embodiment, the flange is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable flanges can be used. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a vinyl door frame. In another embodiment, the frame comprises a vinyl window frame. In one embodiment, the frame is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, other suitable frames can be used. 
         [0061]    As indicated by block  44 , the method  40  comprises providing a channel disposed proximate the flange. Preferably, the channel is adapted to be coupled with a fin of the frame. In one embodiment, the channel is adapted to receive the fin. Preferably, the channel comprises a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, the channel is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable channels can be used. In one embodiment, the fin comprises a nailing fin, and is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, other suitable fins can be used. 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, the flange comprises a first end and a second end. In one embodiment, the channel is disposed proximate the first end of the flange. In another embodiment, the channel is disposed substantially orthogonal to the flange. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, the method  40  further comprises providing means for securing the channel and the fin. Preferably, the securing means is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable securing means can be used. 
         [0064]    Generally, the method  40  comprises providing a grip. Preferably, the grip is disposed substantially orthogonal to the channel. Alternatively, the grip is disposed in other suitable configurations, such that the assembly is effectively manipulated. In one embodiment, the grip is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable grips can be used. 
         [0065]    In an alternate embodiment, the channel comprises a first channel. In this alternate embodiment, the method  40  further comprises providing a second channel. Preferably, the second channel is disposed proximate the second end of the flange, and substantially parallel to the first channel. The second channel is adapted to be coupled with the fin. In one embodiment, the second channel is similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable second channels can be used. 
         [0066]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a method  50  according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method  50  may be used to couple a handle with a frame, as described above. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a vinyl door frame. In another embodiment, the frame comprises a vinyl window frame. Alternatively other suitable frames can be used. 
         [0067]    Items shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , as well as the description above, are referred to in describing  FIG. 5  to aid understanding of the embodiment of the method  50  shown. However, the method  50  is not limited to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and those described above. 
         [0068]    Preferably, the handle comprises a flange comprising a first surface and a second surface. Also preferably, a channel is disposed proximate the flange. In one embodiment, the channel and the flange are similar to that described above and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable channels and flanges can be used. 
         [0069]    As indicated by block  52 , the method  50  comprises coupling the channel with a fin of the frame. Preferably, the fin comprises a nailing fin. In one embodiment, the channel is manually positioned and coupled with the fin. Generally, the channel is disposed adjacent to a portion of the fin. Alternatively, portions of the channel are disposed substantially contiguous to the fin. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, the method comprises coupling the first surface of the channel with the frame and securing the fin of the frame in the channel of the handle. Generally, the first surface of the channel is manually positioned and coupled with a portion of a surface of the frame. Typically, the first surface of the channel is disposed adjacent to the surface of the frame. Alternatively, portions of the first surface of the channel are disposed substantially contiguous to portions of the surface of the frame. 
         [0071]    Generally, the fin of the frame is secured in the channel of the handle. Preferably, the fin is secured to the handle similar to that described above, and with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, other suitable methods of securing the fin to the handle can be used, such as for example, riveting the fin and the channel together, using a friction fit between the fin and the channel, or applying an adhesive to bond portions of the fin and the channel together. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternate embodiment of a handle  60  according to the present invention is shown. The handle  60  is preferably used to facilitate an individual&#39;s (or device&#39;s) grasping, lifting, handling, and transporting of door and window assemblies (not shown), such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . Using more than one handle  60  can improve an individual&#39;s manipulation of door and window assemblies. 
         [0073]    Typically, the handle  60  is made of a plastic material and is injection molded and formed as a unitary member. Alternatively, the handle  10  can be formed of other suitable materials and of separate components and coupled together by suitable means. 
         [0074]    The handle comprises a first end  61  and a second end  62 . The second end  62  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  61 . Disposed between the first and second ends  61 , 62  is a first flange  63  and a second flange  64 . The first flange  63  comprises a first end  63   a , a second end  63   b , and a medial portion  63   c . The second end  63   b  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  63   a . The first end  63   a  is adjacent to the first end  61  of the handle  60  and the second end  63   b  is adjacent to the second end  62  of the handle  60 . The medial portion  63   c  is disposed between and joins the first and second ends  63   a , 63   b . The medial portion  63   c  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the first and second ends  61 , 62  of the handle  60 . 
         [0075]    The second flange  64  is disposed substantially parallel to the first flange  63 . The second flange  64  comprises a first end  64   a , a second end  64   b , and a medial portion  64   c . The second end  64   b  is disposed in facing opposition to the first end  64   a . The first end  64   a  is adjacent to the first end  61  of the handle  60  and the second end  64   b  is adjacent to the second end  62  of the handle  60 . The medial portion  64   c  is disposed between and joins the first and second ends  64   a , 64   b . The medial portion  64   c  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the first and second ends  61 , 62  of the handle  60 . The first and second ends  61 , 62  and the medial portion  63   c  of the first flange  63  and the medial portion  64   c  of the second flange  64  form a perimeter of the a handle  60 . 
         [0076]    The first flange  63  comprises a first surface  65  and a second surface  67 . The first and second surfaces  65 , 67  are disposed in facing opposition, and are substantially parallel to one another. The first flange  63  comprises a substantially rectangular shape. 
         [0077]    The first surface  65  is adapted to be coupled to a frame of a door or window assembly. When coupled to the frame, the first surface  65  is disposed adjacent to the frame. In one embodiment, the first surface  65  is disposed substantially contiguous to the frame. 
         [0078]    The handle comprises a first channel  70 , a second channel  80 , a third channel  90 , and a fourth channel  100 . The first and second channels  70 , 80  share a common axis (not shown), and are adapted to be coupled with a nailing fin. The third and fourth channels  90 , 100  share a common axis (not shown), and are adapted to be coupled with the nailing fin. 
         [0079]    The first and second channels  70 , 80  are disposed proximate the first end  61  and the third and fourth channels  90 , 100  are disposed proximate the second end  62 . The first and third channels  70 , 90  are disposed substantially orthogonal to the second flange  64 . The second and fourth channels  80 , 100  are disposed substantially orthogonal to the first flange  63 . 
         [0080]    The first channel  70  comprises a first end  71  and a second end  72 . The first and second ends  71 , 72  of the first channel  70  are disposed on opposing sides of the first surface  66  of the second flange  64 . The first channel  70  spans substantially continuously from the first end  71  to the second end  72 . 
         [0081]    The first channel  70  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  73 , a second leg  74 , and an intermediate portion  75 . The intermediate portion  75  joins the first and second legs  73 , 74 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the first channel  70  formed by the first leg  73 , the second leg  74 , and the intermediate portion  75  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0082]    A depth of the first channel  70  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door or window assembly can be effectively manipulated by an individual grasping the handle  60 . 
         [0083]    The second channel  80  comprises a first end  81  and a second end  82 . The first and second ends  81 , 82  of the second channel  80  are disposed on opposing sides of the first surface  65  of the first flange  63 . The second channel  80  spans substantially continuously from the first end  81  to the second end  82 . 
         [0084]    The second channel  80  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  83 , a second leg  84 , and an intermediate portion  85 . The intermediate portion  85  joins the first and second legs  83 , 84 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the second channel  80  formed by the first leg  83 , the second leg  84 , and the intermediate portion  85  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0085]    A depth of the second channel  80  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door or window assembly can be effectively manipulated by an individual or device grasping the handle  60 . 
         [0086]    The third channel  90  comprises a first end  91  and a second end  92 . The first and second ends  91 , 92  of the third channel  90  are disposed on opposing sides of the first surface  66  of the second flange  64 . The third channel  90  spans substantially continuously from the first end  91  to the second end  92 . 
         [0087]    The third channel  90  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  93 , a second leg  94 , and an intermediate portion  95 . The intermediate portion  95  joins the first and second legs  93 , 94 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the third channel  90  formed by the first leg  93 , the second leg  94 , and the intermediate portion  95  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0088]    A depth of the third channel  90  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door or window assembly can be effectively manipulated by an individual or device grasping the handle  60 . 
         [0089]    The fourth channel  100  comprises a first end  101  and a second end  102 . The first and second ends  101 , 102  of the fourth channel  100  are disposed on opposing sides of the first surface  65  of the first flange  63 . The fourth channel  100  spans substantially continuously from the first end  101  to the second end  102 . 
         [0090]    The fourth channel  100  comprises a slot or a groove formed by a first leg  103 , a second leg  104 , and an intermediate portion  105 . The intermediate portion  105  joins the first and second legs  103 , 104 , which are substantially parallel to one another. One side view of the fourth channel  100  formed by the first leg  103 , the second leg  104 , and the intermediate portion  105  substantially resembles an elongated u-shape. 
         [0091]    A depth of the fourth channel  100  is sufficient to engage a substantial depth of nailing fin  4 . Alternatively, the depth of the fourth channel  100  is sufficient to engage a portion of the nailing fin  4 , such that the door or window assembly can be effectively manipulated by an individual or device grasping the handle  60 . 
         [0092]    The handle  60  comprises means for securing the nailing fin  4 . The securing means is provided in both the first and second ends  61 , 62 . The securing means comprises a first shaft  110  and a second shaft  112 . The first shaft  110  is disposed proximate the first surface  65  of the first flange  63 . The second shaft  112  is disposed proximate the first surface  66  of the second flange  64 . The second shaft  112  is disposed substantially parallel to the first shaft  110 . 
         [0093]    The first shaft  110  comprises a first end  110   a  and a second end  110   b . The first end  110   a  is disposed adjacent to the first end  61  of the handle  60 . The second end  110   b  is disposed adjacent to the second end  62  of the handle. Portions of the first shaft  110  penetrate the first surface  65  of the first flange  63 . The first shaft  110  traverses the second channel  80  and the fourth channel  100 . The first shaft  110  is adapted to receive a fastening element, such as a self-tapping screw (not shown). Typically, the self-tapping screw is of sufficient length to traverse the entire length of the first shaft  110 , i.e., from the first end  110   a  to the second end  110   b . Alternatively, the length of the self-tapping screw is sufficient to secure the handle  60  to nailing fin  4 . 
         [0094]    The second shaft  112  comprises a first end  112   a  and a second end  112   b . The first end  112   a  is disposed adjacent to the first end  61  of the handle  60 . The second end  112   b  is disposed adjacent to the second end  62  of the handle. Portions of the second shaft  112  penetrate the first surface  66  of the second flange  64 . The second shaft  112  traverses the first channel  70  and the third channel  90 . The second shaft  112  is adapted to receive a fastening element, such as a self-tapping screw. Typically, the self-tapping screw is of sufficient length to traverse the entire length of the second shaft  112 , i.e., from the first end  112   a  to the second end  112   b . Alternatively, the length of the self-tapping screw is sufficient to secure the handle  60  to nailing fin  4 . 
         [0095]    The nailing fin  4  is typically disposed in the first channel  70  and second channel  80  or the third channel  90  and the fourth channel  100 . The multiple channels are provided such that the handle  60  is not limited to a right-handed application only or a left-handed application only. Thus, the handle  60  can be used in a wide variety of configurations of door and window assemblies. 
         [0096]    The handle  60  also comprises a grip  69 . The grip  69  is adapted to be grasped by an individual or a suitable grasping or attaching device, such as for example, a hook or a tied rope. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the grip  69  is substantially cylindrical-shaped. The grip  69  also may include pre-formed ridges (not shown) or grooves (not shown) to improve grasping by a hand or attachment by a device. 
         [0097]    The grip  69  is formed of the same material and as a unitary element of the handle  60 . The grip  69  can be formed of other suitable materials and separately from the handle  60 , and attached to the handle  60  using suitable attaching means. 
         [0098]    The grip  69  is disposed substantially orthogonal to the plurality of channels, i.e., the first channel  70 , the second channel  80 , the third channel  90  and the fourth channel  100 . The grip comprises a first end  69   a  and a second end  69   b . The first end  69   a  is coupled with the first end  61  of the handle  60  and the second end  69   b  is coupled with the second end  62  of the handle  60 . 
         [0099]    A grip brace  69   c  is disposed between the first end  61  of the handle and the second end  62  of the handle  60 . The grip brace  69   c  is coupled with and joins the grip  69 , the first flange  63 , and the second flange  64 . The grip brace  69   c  provides the grip  69  with sufficient dimensional stability to permit effective manipulation of a door or window assembly. 
         [0100]    While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.