Improvements in the Manufacture of Handles applicable for Tools, Implements, Firearms, or the like.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Oct., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 15th July, 1890-Accepted, 16th Aug.,
1890
Improvements in the Manufacture of Handles applicable for Tools,
Implements, Firearms, or the like.
A communication from abroad by CHARLES A. DAVIS, of 1310, 16th Street, Physician,
and WILLIAM W. HERRON, of 1307 F Street, Real Estate Dealer, both of
Washington, D.C., United States of America.
I. WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, & 6 Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, & 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to the manufacture or preparation of handles for tools and
implements of all kinds, and is particularly designed for those in which the hand
guides the implement, while the eye is fixed upon a mark or object, moving or
stationary.
The invention consists essentially in the employment and treatment of a handle
formed wholly or in part of a substance or composition which may be readily rendered
soft or plastic, and which, when so softened, may be grasped by the hand and squeezed
or pressed into exact conformity to the hand, so that each person may fashion the
handle of a tool, or implement, which he is to use to exactly fit his hand, the composi-
tion being allowed or caused to harden subsequently.
In the drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handle prepared for use in accordance with the
invention.
Figures 2 and 3, respectively, longitudinal and transverse sectional views of the
same.
Figure 4 a view illustrating the preferred mode of softening the composition.
Figure 5, a view showing how the handle is brought to the required form.
It is a fact well known to anatomists and physiologists that the human hand varies
greatly in different persons, modified also by the differing nature and conditions of
their various employments.
It is likewise well known that the number of ultimate nerve-filaments, or nerve
terminals is greater in the palm of the hand than on any other portion of the surface
of the person, and the greater the number of these nerve terminals that can be brought
into contact with the handle of a tool or implement, in a position of natural adaptation,
the more purely automatic will be the action of the muscles controlling its movements
and the more independent will it become of any guiding power other than that
afforded through the rapid action of the eye. In other words, the more perfectly the
handle fits or conforms to the surface of the hand as the latter grasps or closes upon
such handle, the more accurate and certain will be the guiding and manipulation of
the implement, whatever it may be.
To produce such a handle a composition or substance is used variable both as to its
nature and its proportions, according to the special application contemplated, which
composition or substance constitutes in whole or in part the handle, and which is
susceptible of being softened and rendered plastic, though not liable to become thus
plastic under normal conditions.
The composition which has thus far been found most satisfactory for the general
purposes of this invention is that known as dental vulcanite, which varies in character,
some quantities being susceptible of being rendered plastic at a lower temperature than
others. This composition in its ordinary proportions will not withstand a very high
temperature and should not be unduly subjected to the direct rays of the sun in very
hot climates. In some cases two qualities or grades of composition are combined in

page_text: the one handle, a softer or more readily-softened grade for the interior, and a harder
or less readily-softened grade for the exterior, though this and the character of the
composition are both optional.
Many cements and cement compositions, and other preparations capable of being
softened by chemical solutions or agents or in any other ways, may likewise, be
employed.
In carrying out the invention it is preferable to make use of the ordinary handle,
reducing the same at the point or points where the composition is to be applied, and
filling out the reduced portion to whatever size may be deemed expedient, by means
of such composition, though as above mentioned, the entire handle may be composed
of the composition.
The drawings illustrate the preferred mode of construction.
A indicates a wooden handle, which may be that of a hammer, mallet, chisel,
carving tool, the stock or handle of a tennis racket, a cricket or base ball bat, a croquet
mallet, the handle of an oar, the stock or grip of a pistol or gun, or in fact, the handlo
of any instrument whatsoever that requires to be used with care and accuracy. This
handle is cut away or reduced at that part which is naturally grasped by the hand, as
shown at a, Figure 2, and around this reduced portion is applied a body B, of the
selected composition or alloy, which is or may be made to take the configuration of
the ordinary handle, or as is deemed advisable, it may be made to exceed the natural
size thereof.
The body B is applied in a plastic or semi-fluid state and is allowed to set or harden.
Its surface may be finished, coated or ornamented in any manner desired, or left in
its natural condition, and the handles thus prepared are ready for sale.
The purchaser, in order to give to the handle the precise form necessary to
accurately fit or conform to his own hand, then immerses the handle A in water, in a
sand bath, or places it in a suitable chamber, previously heated to the requisite
temperature; or having placed it in such bath or chamber brings the latter to the
proper temperature to soften the body B; or if the composition is of proper character
for that purpose it may be immersed in a suitable chemical solution and thereby
softened.
When the body B is sufficiently softened to become thoroughly plastic, the handle
is withdrawn and the body B is firmly grasped in the hand by which it is to be held,
care being taken to grasp it in the precise position and way in which it is to be held
in use.
The correct position being ascertained and secured, a firm pressure or squeeze
is given the plastic body B, and then the handle is laid aside to cool and set or
harden, after which (with or without special finishing, as desired) it is ready
for use.
While this final preparation of the handle has been spoken of as being performed
by the purchaser, it is apparent that it may, and often will be done by the merchant
selling the goods, the only act required of the purchaser being the squeezing or
grasping of the plastic body to secure an exact impression of his hand.
In making the impression, a simple application of flour or powdered soapstone to
the hand will supply all needed protection.
The employment of compositions of different grades, (of which two or more may be
used together,) causes the outer and harder preparation to act as a skin or retaining
body, while the softer composition within being more plastic, yields readily to the
pressure of the hand and of course permits or causes the outer layer or skin to yield
with it.
The handle prepared for use in the manner above set forth, touching the hand at
every point alike, distributes the resistance offered by the handle in its manipulation, to
all parts of the hand alike, and prevents the overlapping of the tissues and thus avoids
the formation of blisters.
The even distribution of the resistance, enables the person using the implement to
apply much greater force thereto without pain or injury to the hand than is possible
with a handle not accurately moulded to the hand, and in rowing, sawing, chopping
and performing like operations calling for the expenditure of great or considerable

page_text: force, this is a matter of great importance, especially when attended as it is with such
a handle, by far greater accuracy in guiding and directing the implement. With an
oar having such a handle, the act of "feathering "the blade becomes a matter of ease
and certainty, and the necessity for observing the position of the blade is overcome.
This is especially important in crowded places at night.
So too, in chopping wood, the position of the cutting edge of the axe, is always
known to the chopper, and with fire-arms, the sense of feeling enables the marksman
to determine the angle and direction of the barrel of the arm. Equally true is this of
swords, foils and the like, of rackets, bats, carving tools and in fact of an almost
endless variety of implements.
A composition having a softening point of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit is deemed
desirable, because it is easy to determine such temperature without measuring instru-
ments, and a composition which softens at or above that point will remain hard under
all ordinary conditions of use. Obviously, however, a much lower or a higher point
of softening may be adopted.
Any subsequent modification of the handle that may become desirable may be
effected by repeating the above described operation or treatment.
As a result of the invention a feeling of security and confidence is produced, the
muscles of the hand, wrist, and arm not only become masters of a forward, backward
or lateral motion, as the case may be, but the plane of the striking surface, in case of
a cricket bat, tennis racket or like implement always bears a given known relation to
the hand of the operator.
1000
Improvements in the Manufacture of Handles applicable for Tools,
Implements, Fire Arms, or the like.
A communication from abroad by CHARLES A. DAVIS of No. 1310; 16th Street,
Physician, and WILLIAM W. HERRON of No. 1307 F. Street, Real Estate
Dealer, both of Washington, D.C., United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
The invention relates to the manufacture or preparation of handles for tools and
implements of all kinds, and is particularly designed for those in which the hand
guides the implement, while the eye is fixed upon a mark or object, moving or
stationary.
The invention consists essentially in the employment and treatment of a handle
formed wholly or in part of a substance or composition which may be readily rendered
soft or plastic, and which, when so softened, may be grasped by the hand and squeezed
or pressed into exact conformity to the hand, so that each person may fashion the
handle of a tool or implement, which he is to use, to exactly fit his hand, the com-
position being allowed or caused to harden subsequently.
In the drawings accompanying the provisional specification:—
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handle prepared for use in accordance with the
invention.
Figures 2 and 3, respectively, longitudinal and transverse sectional views of the
same.
Figure 4, a view illustrating the preferred mode of softening the composition.
Figure 5, a view showing how the handle is brought to the required form.

page_text: It is a fact well known to anotomists and physiologists that the human hand varies
greatly in different persons, modified also by the differing nature and conditions of
their various employments.
It is likewise well known that the number of ultimate nerve-filaments, or nerve
terminals is greater in the palm of the hand than on any other portion of the surface
of the person, and the greater the number of these nerve terminals that can be brought
into contact with the handle of a tool or implement, in a position of natural adaptation,
the more purely automatic will be the action of the muscles controlling its movements
and the more independent will it become of any guiding power other than that
afforded through the rapid action of the eye. In other words, the more perfectly the
handle fits or conforms to the surface of the hand as the latter grasps or closes upon
such handle, the more accurate and certain will be the guiding and manipulation of
the implement, whatever it may be.
To produce such a handle a composition or substance is used variable both as to its
nature and its proportions, according to the special application contemplated, which
composition or substance constitutes in whole or in part the handle, and which is
susceptible of being softened and rendered plastic, though not liable to become thus
plastic under normal conditions.
The composition which has thus far been found most satisfactory for the general
purposes of this invention is that known as dental vulcanite, which varies in character,
some qualities being susceptible of being rendered plastic at a lower temperature than
others. This composition in its ordinary proportions will not withstand a very high
temperature and should not be unduly subjected to the direct rays of the sun in
very hot climates. In some cases two qualities or grades of composition are combined
in the one handle, a softer or more readily softened grade for the interior, and a harder
or less readily softened grade for the exterior, though this and the character of the
composition are both optional.
Many cements and cement compositions, and other preparations capable of being
softened by chemical solutions or agents or in any other ways, may likewise be
employed.
In carrying out the invention it is preferable to make use of the ordinary handle,
reducing the same at the point or points where the composition is to be applied, and
filling out the reduced portion to whatever size may be deemed expedient, by means
of such composition though as above mentioned, the entire handle may be composed
of the composition.
The drawings illustrate the preferred mode of construction.
A indicates a wooden handle, which may be that of a hammer, mallet, chisel,
carving tool, the stock or handle of a tennis racket, a cricket or base ball bat, a
croquet mallet, the handle of an oar, the stock or grip of a pistol or gun, or in
fact, the handle of any instrument whatsoever that requires to be used with care
and accuracy. This handle is cut away or reduced at that part which is naturally
grasped by the hand, as shown at a, Figure 2, and around this reduced portion is
applied a body B, of the selected composition or alloy, which is or may be made to
take the configuration of the ordinary handle, or as is deemed advisable, it may be
made to exceed the natural size thereof.
The body B is applied in a plastic or semi-fluid state and is allowed to set
or harden. Its surface may be finished, coated or ornamented in any manner
desired, or left in its natural condition, and the handles thus prepared are ready for
salc.
The purchaser, in order to give to the handle the precise form necessary to
accurately fit or conform to his own hand, then immerses the handle A in water, in a
sand bath, or places it in a suitable chamber, previously heated to the requisite
temperature, or having placed it in such bath or chamber brings the latter to the
proper temperature to soften the body B, or if the composition is of proper
character for that purpose it may be immersed in a suitable chemical solution and
thereby softened.
When the body B is sufficiently softened to become thoroughly plastic, the handle

page_text: is withdrawn and the body B is firmly grasped in the hand by which it is to be held,
care being taken to grasp it in the precise position and way in which it is to be held
in use.
The correct position being ascertained and secured, a firm pressure or
squeeze is given to the plastic body B, and then the handle is laid aside to cool
and set or harden, after which (with or without special finishing, as desired) it is
ready for use.
While this final preparation of the handle has been spoken of as being performed
by the purchaser, it is apparent that it may, and often will be, done by the merchant
selling the goods, the only act required of the purchaser being the squeezing or
grasping of the plastic body to secure an exact impression of his hand.
In making the impression, a single application of flour or powdered soapstone to
the hand will supply all needed protection.
The employment of compositions of differing grades, (of which two or more
may be used together) causes the outer and harder preparation to act as a skin or
retaining body, while the softer composition within, being more plastic, yields readily
to the pressure of the hand and of course permits or causes the outer layer or skin to
yield with it.
The handle prepared for use in the manner above set forth, touching the hand at
every point alike, distributes the resistance, offered by the handle in its manipulation,
to all parts of the hand alike, and prevents the overlapping of the tissues and thus
avoids the formation of blisters.
The even distribution of the resistance enables the person using the implement
to apply much greater force thereto without pain or injury to the hand than is possible
with a handle not accurately moulded to the hand, and in rowing, sawing, chopping
and performing like operations calling for the expenditure of great or considerable
force, this is a matter of great importance, especially when attended as it is with
such a handle, by far greater accuracy in guiding and directing the implement.
With an oar having such a handle, the act of "feathering" the blade becomes a
matter of case and certainty, and the necessity for observing the position of the
blade is overcome. This is especially important in crowded places at night.
So, too, in chopping wood, the position of the cutting edge of the axe is always
known to the chopper, and with fire-arms, the sense of feeling enables the marksman
to determine the angle and direction of the barrel of the arm. Equally true is this
of swords, foils and the like, of rackets, bats, carving tools, and in fact of an almost
endless variety of implements.
A composition having a softening point of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit is deemed
desirable, because it is easy to determine such temperature without measuring
instruments, and a composition which softens at or above that point will remain hard
under all ordinary conditions of use. Obviously, however, a much lower or a higher
point of softening may be adopted.
Any subsequent modification of the handle that may become desirable may be
effected by repeating the above described operation or treatment.
As a result of the invention, a feeling of security and confidence is produced, the
muscles of the hand, wrist and arm, not only become masters of a forward, backward
or lateral motion, as the case may be, but the plane of the striking surface, in case of
a cricket bat, tennis racket or like implement always bears a given known relation
to the hand of the operator.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The herein described method of fitting handles to the hand, which consists in
forming or providing the handle with a body of material capable of being rendered
plastic; softening said material; grasping the same in the manner of grasping it in
use applying pressure sufficiently to cause the material to conform accurately to
the hand or hands; and finally, causing or permitting the material to harden.

page_text: 2. Manufacturing handles for application to tools, instruments or the like, by
moulding said handles or an exterior portion thereof while in a plastic state to fit
the grip of the hand, and by afterwards causing or allowing the plastic material to
harden or set, substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this Lith day of Tul 1800

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Oct., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 15th July, 1890-Accepted, 16th Aug., 1890
Improvements in the Manufacture of Handles applicable for Tools,
Implements, Firearms, or the like.
A communication from abroad by CHARLES A. DAVIS, of 1310, 16th Street, Physician,
and WILLIAM W. HERRON, of 1307 F Street, Real Estate Dealer, both of
Washington, D.C., United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6 Lord Street, Liverpool, & 6 Bank Street, Manchester, both in
the County of Lancaster, & 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
:
The invention relates to the manufacture or preparation of handles for tools and
implements of all kinds, and is particularly designed for those in which the hand
guides the implement, while the eye is fixed upon a mark or object, moving or
stationary.
The invention consists essentially in the employment and treatment of a handle
formed wholly or in part of a substance or composition which may be readily rendered
soft or plastic, and which, when so softened, may be grasped by the hand and squeezed
or pressed into exact conformity to the hand, so that each person may fashion the
handle of a tool, or implement, which he is to use to exactly fit his hand, the composi-
tion being allowed or caused to harden subsequently..
In the drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handle prepared for use in accordance with the
invention.
Figures 2 and 3, respectively, longitudinal and transverse sectional views of the
same.
Figure 4 a view illustrating the preferred mode of softening the composition.
Figure 5, a view showing how the handle is brought to the required form.
It is a fact well known to anatomists and physiologists that the human hand varies
greatly in different persons, modified also by the differing nature and conditions of
their various employments.
It is likewise well known that the number of ultimate nerve-filaments, or nerve
terminals is greater in the palm of the hand than on any other portion of the surface
of the person, and the greater the number of these nerve terminals that can be brought
into contact with the handle of a tool or implement, in a position of natural adaptation,
the more purely automatic will be the action of the muscles controlling its movements
and the more independent will it become of any guiding power other than that
afforded through the rapid action of the eye. In other words, the more perfectly the
handle fits or conforms to the surface of the hand as the latter grasps or closes upon
such handle, the more accurate and certain will be the guiding and manipulation of
the implement, whatever it may be.
To produce such a handle a composition or substance is used variable both as to its
nature and its proportions, according to the special application contemplated, which
composition or substance constitutes in whole or in part the handle, and which is
susceptible of being softened and rendered plastic, though not liable to become thus
plastic under normal conditions.
The composition which has thus far been found most satisfactory for the general
purposes of this invention is that known as dental vulcanite, which varies in character,
some quantities being susceptible of being rendered plastic at a lower temperature than
others. This composition in its ordinary proportions will not withstand a very high
temperature and should not be unduly subjected to the direct rays of the sun in very
hot climates. In some cases two qualities or grades of composition are combined in

page_text: the one handle, a softer or more readily-softened grade for the interior, and a harder
or less readily-softened grade for the exterior, though this and the character of the
composition are both optional.
Many cements and cement compositions, and other preparations capable of being
softened by chemical solutions or agents or in any other ways, may likewise, be
employed.
In carrying out the invention it is preferable to make use of the ordinary handle,
reducing the same at the point or points where the composition is to be applied, and
filling out the reduced portion to whatever size may be deemed expedient, by means
of such composition, though as above mentioned, the entire handle may be composed
of the composition.
The drawings illustrate the preferred mode of construction.
A indicates a wooden handle, which may be that of a hammer, mallet, chisel,
carving tool, the stock or handle of a tennis racket, a cricket or base ball bat, a croquet
mallet, the handle of an oar, the stock or grip of a pistol or gun, or in fact, the handle
of any instrument whatsoever that requires to be used with care and accuracy. This
handle is cut away or reduced at that part which is naturally grasped by the hand, as
shown at a, Figure 2, and around this reduced portion is applied a body B, of the
selected composition or alloy, which is or may be made to take the configuration of
the ordinary handle, or as is deemed advisable, it may be made to exceed the natural
size thereof.
The body B is applied in a plastic or semi-fluid state and is allowed to set or harden.
Its surface may be finished, coated or ornamented in any manner desired, or left in
its natural condition, and the handles thus prepared are ready for sale.
The purchaser, in order to give to the handle the precise form necessary to
accurately fit or conform to his own hand, then immerses the handle A in water, in a
sand bath, or places it in a suitable chamber, previously heated to the requisite
temperature; or having placed it in such bath or chamber brings the latter to the
proper temperature to soften the body B; or if the composition is of proper character
for that purpose it may be immersed in a suitable chemical solution and thereby
softened.
When the body B is sufficiently softened to become thoroughly plastic, the handle
is withdrawn and the body B is firmly grasped in the hand by which it is to be held,
care being taken to grasp it in the precise position and way in which it is to be held
in use.
The correct position being ascertained and secured, a firm pressure or squeeze
is given the plastic body B, and then the handle is laid aside to cool and set or
harden, after which (with or without special finishing, as desired) it is ready
for use.
While this final preparation of the handle has been spoken of as being performed
by the purchaser, it is apparent that it may, and often will be done by the merchant
selling the goods, the only act required of the purchaser being the squeezing or
grasping of the plastic body to secure an exact impression of his hand.
In making the impression, a simple application of flour or powdered soapstone to
the hand will supply all needed protection.
The employment of compositions of different grades, (of which two or more may be
used together,) causes the outer and harder preparation to act as a skin or retaining
body, while the softer composition within being more plastic, yields readily to the
pressure of the hand and of course permits or causes the outer layer or skin to yield
with it.
The handle prepared for use in the manner above set forth, touching the hand at
every point alike, distributes the resistance offered by the handle in its manipulation, to
all parts of the hand alike, and prevents the overlapping of the tissues and thus avoids
the formation of blisters.
The even distribution of the resistance, enables the person using the implement to
apply much greater force thereto without pain or injury to the hand than is possible
with a handle not accurately moulded to the hand, and in rowing, sawing, chopping
and performing like operations calling for the expenditure of great or considerable

page_text: force, this is a matter of great importance, especially when attended as it is with such
a handle, by far greater accuracy in guiding and directing the implement. With an
oar having such a handle, the act of "feathering "the blade becomes a matter of ease
and certainty, and the necessity for observing the position of the blade is overcome.
This is especially important in crowded places at night.
So too, in chopping wood, the position of the cutting edge of the axe, is always
known to the chopper, and with fire-arms, the sense of feeling enables the marksman
to determine the angle and direction of the barrel of the arm. Equally true is this of
swords, foils and the like, of rackets, bats, carving tools and in fact of an almost
endless variety of implements.
A composition having a softening point of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit is deemed
desirable, because it is easy to determine such temperature without measuring instru-
ments, and a composition which softens at or above that point will remain hard under
all ordinary conditions of use. Obviously, however, a much lower or a higher point
of softening may be adopted.
Any subsequent modification of the handle that may become desirable may be
effected by repeating the above described operation or treatment.
As a result of the invention a feeling of security and confidence is produced, the
muscles of the hand, wrist, and arm not only become masters of a forward, backward
or lateral motion, as the case may be, but the plane of the striking surface, in case of
a cricket bat, tennis racket or like implement always bears a given known relation to
the hand of the operator.
Dated this 14th day of October 1990
Improvements in the Manufacture of Handles applicable for Tools,
Implements, Fire Arms, or the like.
A communication from abroad by CHARLES A. DAVIS of No. 1310, 16th Street,
Physician, and WILLIAM W. HERRON of No. 1307 F. Street, Real Estate
Dealer, both of Washington, D.C., United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
The invention relates to the manufacture or preparation of handles for tools and
implements of all kinds, and is particularly designed for those in which the hand
guides the implement, while the eye is fixed upon a mark or object, moving or
stationary.
The invention consists essentially in the employment and treatment of a handle
formed wholly or in part of a substance or composition which may be readily rendered
soft or plastic, and which, when so softened, may be grasped by the hand and squeezed
or pressed into exact conformity to the hand, so that each person may fashion the
handle of a tool or implement, which he is to use, to exactly fit his hand, the com-
position being allowed or caused to harden subsequently.
In the drawings accompanying the provisional specification:-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handle prepared for use in accordance with the
invention.
Figures 2 and 3, respectively, longitudinal and transverse sectional views of the
same.
Figure 4, a view illustrating the preferred mode of softening the composition.
Figure 5 a view showing how the handle is brought to the required form.

page_text: It is a fact well known to anotomists and physiologists that the human hand varies
greatly in different persons, modified also by the differing nature and conditions of
their various employments.
It is likewise well known that the number of ultimate nerve-filaments, or nerve
terminals is greater in the palm of the hand than on any other portion of the surface
of the person, and the greater the number of these nerve terminals that can be brought
into contact with the handle of a tool or implement, in a position of natural adaptation,
the more purely automatic will be the action of the muscles controlling its movements
and the more independent will it become of any guiding power other than that
afforded through the rapid action of the eye. In other words, the more perfectly the
handle fits or conforms to the surface of the hand as the latter grasps or closes upon
such handle, the more accurate and certain will be the guiding and manipulation of
the implement, whatever it may be.
To produce such a handle a composition or substance is used variable both as to its
nature and its proportions, according to the special application contemplated, which
composition or substance constitutes in whole or in part the handle, and which is
susceptible of being softened and rendered plastic, though not liable to become thus
plastic under normal conditions.
The composition which has thus far been found most satisfactory for the general
purposes of this invention is that known as dental vulcanite, which varies in character,
some qualities being susceptible of being rendered plastic at a lower temperature than
others. This composition in its ordinary proportions will not withstand a very high
temperature and should not be unduly subjected to the direct rays of the sun in
very hot climates. In some cases two qualities or grades of composition are combined
in the one handle, a softer or more readily softened grade for the interior, and a harder
or less readily softened grade for the exterior, though this and the character of the
composition are both optional.
Many cements and cement compositions, and other preparations capable of being
softened by chemical solutions or agents or in any other ways, may likewise be
employed.
In carrying out the invention it is preferable to make use of the ordinary handle,
reducing the same at the point or points where the composition is to be applied, and
filling out the reduced portion to whatever size may be deemed expedient, by means
of such composition though as above mentioned, the entire handle may be composed
of the composition.
The drawings illustrate the preferred mode of construction.
A indicates a wooden handle, which may be that of a hammer, mallet, chisel,
carving tool, the stock or handle of a tennis racket, a cricket or base ball bat, a
croquet mallet, the handle of an oar, the stock or grip of a pistol or gun, or in
fact, the handle of any instrument whatsoever that requires to be used with care
and accuracy. This handle is cut away or reduced at that part which is naturally
grasped by the hand, as shown at a, Figure 2, and around this reduced portion is
applied a body B, of the selected composition or alloy, which is or may be made to
take the configuration of the ordinary handle, or as is deemed advisable, it may be
made to exceed the natural size thereof.
The body B is applied in a plastic or semi-fluid state and is allowed to set
or harden. Its surface may be finished, coated or ornamented in any manner
desired, or left in its natural condition, and the handles thus prepared are ready for
sale.
The purchaser, in order to give to the handle the precise form necessary to
accurately fit or conform to his own hand, then immerses the handle A in water, in a
sand bath, or places it in a suitable chamber, previously heated to the requisite
temperature, or having placed it in such bath or chamber brings the latter to the
proper temperature to soften the body B, or if the composition is of proper
character for that purpose it may be immersed in a suitable chemical solution and
thereby softened.
When the body B is sufficiently softened to become thoroughly plastic, the handle

page_text: is withdrawn and the body B is firmly grasped in the hand by which it is to be held,
care being taken to grasp it in the precise position and way in which it is to be held
in use.
The correct position being ascertained and secured, a firm pressure or
squeeze is given to the plastic body B, and then the handle is laid aside to cool
and set or harden, after which (with or without special finishing, as desired) it is
ready for use.
While this final preparation of the handle has been spoken of as being performed
by the purchaser, it is apparent that it may, and often will be, done by the merchant
selling the goods, the only act required of the purchaser being the squeezing or
grasping of the plastic body to secure an exact impression of his hand.
In making the impression, a single application of flour or powdered soapstone to
the hand will supply all needed protection.
The employment of compositions of differing grades, (of which two or more
may be used together) causes the outer and harder preparation to act as a skin or
retaining body, while the softer composition within, being more plastic, yields readily
to the pressure of the hand and of course permits or causes the outer layer or skin to
yield with it.
The handle prepared for use in the manner above set forth, touching the hand at
every point alike, distributes the resistance, offered by the handle in its manipulation,
to all parts of the hand alike, and prevents the overlapping of the tissues and thus
avoids the formation of blisters.
The even distribution of the resistance enables the person using the implement
to apply much greater force thereto without pain or injury to the hand than is possible
with a handle not accurately moulded to the hand, and in rowing, sawing, chopping
and performing like operations calling for the expenditure of great or considerable
force, this is a matter of great importance, especially when attended as it is with
such a handle, by far greater accuracy in guiding and directing the implement.
With an oar having such a handle, the act of " "feathering the blade becomes a
matter of ease and certainty, and the necessity for observing the position of the
blade is overcome. This is especially important in crowded places at night.
22
So, too, in chopping wood, the position of the cutting edge of the axe is always
known to the chopper, and with fire-arms, the sense of feeling enables the marksman
to determine the angle and direction of the barrel of the arm. Equally true is this
of swords, foils and the like, of rackets, bats, carving tools, and in fact of an almost
endless variety of implements.
A composition having a softening point of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit is deemed
desirable, because it is easy to determine such temperature without measuring
instruments, and a composition which softens at or above that point will remain hard
under all ordinary conditions of use. Obviously, however, a much lower or a higher
point of softening may be adopted.
Any subsequent modification of the handle that may become desirable may be
effected by repeating the above described operation or treatment.
As a result of the invention, a feeling of security and confidence is produced, the
muscles of the hand, wrist and arm, not only become masters of a forward, backward
or lateral motion, as the case may be, but the plane of the striking surface, in case of
a cricket bat, tennis racket or like implement always bears a given known relation
to the hand of the operator.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The herein described method of fitting handles to the hand, which consists in
forming or providing the handle with a body of material capable of being rendered
plastic softening said material; grasping the same in the manner of grasping it in
use; applying pressure sufficiently to cause the material to conform accurately to
the hand or hands; and finally, causing or permitting the material to harden.

page_text: 2. Manufacturing handles for application to tools, instruments or the like, by
moulding said handles or an exterior portion thereof while in a plastic state to fit
the grip of the hand, and by afterwards causing or allowing the plastic material to
harden or set, substantially as described and for the purposes set forth.
1
c г
1000