Patent Description:
Senior citizens comprise one of the largest growing populations in numerous countries around the world. As people age, certain physical limitations may arise that impact an individual's daily routine and ability to perform certain tasks such as but not limited to, opening and closing a door, walking up and down stairs, walking across carpeting and other such tasks. The effects created by physical limitations may impact where senior citizens are able to live and in some cases, may cause individuals to move out of their long-time home. However, the ability to remain in one's home is often viewed as the desired choice because it may provide several social, health and financial benefits.

Although certain door handles and door handle accessories are effective for reducing the physical strength needed to open the door, these solutions may first require identification of the door where the alternative handle is needed. Once identified, the difficult-to-operate door handle may need to be removed and replaced with the alternative door handle. For example, a longer door handle may be installed in place of a handle installed on a door that a person with certain physical limitations may have difficulty opening. Additionally, a door handle adapter may be installed over the door handle that makes it easier to open the door. However, as noted above, these solutions may need to be implemented on each door where they are needed and usually only after an issue with door operation is encountered. Furthermore, the alternative door handles and accessories may pose difficulties to individuals not familiar with how to properly use them to open and/or close a door. <CIT> discloses a latch handle comprising: a neck; a pivot protruding axially away from the neck; and a handle piece. A plurality of diverse handle pieces may be exchanged and installed onto the neck. <CIT> and <CIT> disclose handles comprising a bar extendably coupled between a non-extendable portion and an extendable portion of the grip portion.

Thus, there is a need for a cost-effective and versatile handle that can accommodate a variety of users, some of which may benefit from an adjustable handle to make it easier to open a door.

The present invention relates to a handle and a door handle assembly as defined in appended claims <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

The handle includes a first rotatable member configured to engage a door latch mechanism. Furthermore, the handle includes a second member mechanically engaged with the first member, wherein a length of the second member is adjustable.

The handle further comprises a bar extendably coupled between a non-extendable portion and an extendable portion of the second member.

A cavity is defined within a portion of at least one of the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion, and wherein the bar is enclosed within the cavity when the second member is in a non-extended position and the bar is extended from the cavity between the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion when the second member is in an extended position.

In another embodiment of the handle, the handle may further comprise a sheath portion configured to cover a portion of the bar between the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion when the second member is in the extended position.

The handle further comprises an extension mechanism operably engaged with the non-extendable portion, the extendable portion, and the bar, wherein the extension mechanism is configured to extend the bar between the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion when the second member is in the extended position and retract the bar within the cavity when the second member is in the non-extended position.

The extension mechanism includes a spring pin and a button operably coupled to the spring pin. Moreover, activation of the button and the spring pin allows the bar to adjust the second member between the extended position and the non-extended position.

The button is operably coupled to a lever mechanism and the spring pin engages with a plurality of notches defined along the bar. Moreover, activation of the button causes the lever mechanism to disengage the spring pin from the plurality of notches to allow the bar to adjust the second member between the extended position and the non-extended position.

The button is further coupled to a first magnet and the spring pin is coupled to a second magnet. Activation of the button causes the lever mechanism to adjacently position the first magnet and the second magnet such that the first and second magnets are attracted towards each other to disengage the spring pin from the plurality of notches to allow the bar to adjust the second member between the extended position and the non-extended position.

An embodiment of a door handle assembly operably coupled to a door is disclosed. The door handle assembly includes a latch mechanism operably coupled to the door and a mounting plate attached to a surface of the door. The door handle assembly further includes a handle as described above, wherein the first rotatable member is coupled to the mounting plate.

These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to <FIG>, a rotating door handle assembly <NUM> attached to a door <NUM> is shown. The rotating door handle assembly <NUM> may include a mounting plate <NUM> that operably and fixedly attaches the rotating door handle assembly <NUM> to the door <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> may further include a lock mechanism (not shown) which provides access to a key or other such paired security device for locking and unlocking the door <NUM>. Alternatively, and/or additionally, a keypad (not shown) may be incorporated into the mounting plate <NUM> and used to enter a code to activate and/or deactivate the lock mechanism. The rotating door handle assembly <NUM> further includes an adjustable handle portion <NUM> operably coupled to a rotating cylinder <NUM>. Applying an external force to the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may cause a subsequent rotation or other such movement of the rotating cylinder <NUM> and the adjustable handle portion <NUM> relative to the mounting plate <NUM>, as illustrated by arrow R.

Furthermore, the rotating cylinder <NUM> may be operably coupled to a latch mechanism <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> may include an internal portion disposed within an interior portion of the door <NUM> and an external portion that engages with a latch catch (not shown) of the door <NUM>. As such, movement of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> above or below a longitudinal axis A-A of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> causes rotation of the rotating cylinder <NUM> in the direction of arrow R (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The rotation of the rotating cylinder <NUM> may activate with the latch mechanism <NUM> to retract and disengage the external portion of the latch mechanism <NUM> from the latch catch (not shown) so the door may be pulled or pushed open. Conversely, movement to return the adjustable handle portion <NUM> to a central position along the longitudinal axis A-A may rotate the rotating cylinder <NUM> to extend the latch mechanism <NUM> and engage the external portion of the latch mechanism with the latch catch (not shown) to close and secure the door <NUM>. It will be understood that the rotating door handle assembly <NUM> including the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be used to open and close a variety of doors such as but not limited to, exterior dwelling unit doors, interior dwelling unit doors, safe or vault doors, aircraft pressurized cabin doors, marine vessel hatch doors and the like.

The adjustable handle portion <NUM> has a first end <NUM> coupled to the rotating cylinder <NUM> and second end <NUM> that extends axially away from the first end <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A-A of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. Furthermore, a handle seam <NUM> may be defined between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and the handle seam <NUM> may divide the adjustable handle portion <NUM> into separate portions. In one non-limiting example, a non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and an extendable handle portion <NUM> are defined by the handle seam <NUM> in the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. The non-extendable handle portion <NUM> is coupled to the rotating cylinder <NUM> and extends from the first end <NUM> to the handle seam <NUM>. Likewise, the extendable handle portion <NUM> extends from the handle seam <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. Furthermore, it will be understood that the handle seam <NUM> may be positioned along the adjustable handle portion <NUM> to determine a desired size of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>, the extendable handle portion <NUM> or other part of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. For example, the handle seam <NUM> may be defined at a location of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> such that one of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> is larger than the other. Alternatively, the handle seam <NUM> may be defined at a location of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> such that the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> are substantially the same size (i.e., within defined design tolerances).

The adjustable handle portion <NUM> further includes a handle cavity <NUM> that is formed or otherwise defined within an interior area of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the handle cavity <NUM> may have a first length <NUM> that extends from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. In another example, the handle cavity <NUM> may have a second length <NUM> that extends within a portion of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and a portion the extendable handle portion <NUM>. In yet another example, the handle cavity <NUM> may be defined in only one of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> or the extendable handle portion <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. Accordingly, it will be understood that the handle cavity <NUM> may be sized and configured within the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM>, as needed.

The handle cavity <NUM> is configured to enclose a bar <NUM> within the handle cavity <NUM> and the bar <NUM> may extend from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>, across the handle seam <NUM>, and into the extendable handle portion <NUM>. As such, a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> may each be slidably engaged with an interior surface of the handle cavity <NUM> such that applying a force to the extendable handle portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A-A (e.g., pull or push) may extend and/or retract the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in a retracted position <NUM> where the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> are adjacently positioned with respect to each other. Accordingly, the retracted position <NUM> defines a first handle length <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, such as but not limited to <NUM> inches. When the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the retracted position <NUM> the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> may be in direct contact with each other at the handle seam <NUM>. Furthermore, in the retracted position <NUM> the bar <NUM> may be fully enclosed or otherwise concealed within the handle cavity <NUM>. Conversely, <FIG> illustrates the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in an extended position <NUM> where the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and extendable handle portion <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> are separated from one another with the bar <NUM> extended therebetween. As such, the extended position <NUM> may define a second handle length <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, such as but not limited to <NUM> inches.

The adjustable handle portion <NUM> further includes an extension mechanism <NUM> configured to facilitate adjustment of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. In an embodiment, the extension mechanism <NUM> may be configured such that at least one of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is movably and/or slidably engaged with the internal surface of the handle cavity <NUM>. Accordingly, activation of the extension mechanism <NUM> using an external force to pull on the adjustable handle portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis A-A may cause the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> to separate at the handle seam <NUM>. The bar <NUM> may slide along the internal surface of the handle cavity <NUM> and axially extend along the longitudinal axis A-A to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> into the extended position <NUM>. Conversely, activation of the extension mechanism <NUM> using an external force to push on the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may cause the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> to converge towards each other. The bar <NUM> may slide along the internal surface of the handle cavity <NUM> and axially retract along the longitudinal axis A-A to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> into the retracted position <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, an embodiment of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in the extended position <NUM> including a sheath <NUM> covering a portion of the bar <NUM> is illustrated. The sheath <NUM> may be disposed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> to cover the exposed portion of the bar <NUM> between the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the extended position <NUM>. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the sheath <NUM> and the adjustable handle portion <NUM> are made out of the same metal or metal alloy material such as but not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, polished nickel, chrome, and the like. The sheath <NUM> may further include a shape or other such contour that is complimentary to the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM>. For example, when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the extended position <NUM> one end of the sheath <NUM> may be adjacently positioned to a first exposed seam face <NUM> (<FIG>) on the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the opposing end of the sheath <NUM> may be adjacently positioned to a second exposed seam face <NUM> (<FIG>) on the extendable handle portion <NUM>. As a result, the complimentary shape of the sheath <NUM> may fit or otherwise pair with the first exposed seam face <NUM> and the second exposed seam face <NUM> to give the appearance that the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>, the sheath <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> form a continuous or unitary structure.

Furthermore, <FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> including a corrugated sheath <NUM> that covers the exposed portion of the bar <NUM> (<FIG>) between the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the extended position <NUM>. Similar to the sheath <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the corrugated sheath <NUM> may be disposed between the first exposed seam face <NUM> and the second exposed seam face <NUM> to cover the exposed portion of the bar <NUM> between the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the extended position <NUM>. In an embodiment, the corrugated sheath <NUM> is formed from rubber, silicone, Viton®, nitrile, neoprene or similar material. The corrugated sheath <NUM> may be sealingly engaged with the first and second exposed seam faces <NUM>, <NUM> on each of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM>, respectively. As a result, the corrugated sheath <NUM> may form a fluid tight seal between the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> that protects the bar <NUM> and handle cavity <NUM> (<FIG>) from dust, particles, fluid and other such contaminants present in the external environment.

Referring now to <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG>, the extension mechanism <NUM> may be configured to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. As such, the bar <NUM> may be slidably engaged with the interior surface of the handle cavity <NUM> defined in at least one of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the extension mechanism <NUM> may further include a track system <NUM> defined to extend along a specified length of the bar <NUM> and a spring pin <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the spring pin <NUM> extends through the outer surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. The spring pin <NUM> is aligned with an upper longitudinal channel <NUM> of the track system <NUM> that is formed in the bar <NUM>. For purposes of simplicity, <FIG> illustrates the spring pin <NUM> extending through the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the bar <NUM> but it will be understood that extension mechanism <NUM> may be additionally or alternately configured such that the spring pin <NUM> extends through the outer surface of the extendable handle portion <NUM>.

One non-limiting example of the spring pin <NUM> is further illustrated in <FIG>. The spring pin <NUM> may include a button <NUM> defined at one end, a cross-member <NUM> defined at the opposite end and a pin shaft <NUM> extending therebetween. The cross-member <NUM> and the pin shaft <NUM> may generally be perpendicular or orthogonal with respect to one another defining a t-shape. Additionally, the pin shaft <NUM> may be configured to include a length and diameter that is compatible with dimensions the track system <NUM>. The spring pin <NUM> further includes a spring <NUM> or other such elastic element which circumferentially surrounds the pin shaft <NUM>. The top portion of the spring <NUM> is positioned adjacent to a bottom surface the button <NUM>. The spring pin <NUM> may be inserted into the extension mechanism <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> and button <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the external surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the cross-member <NUM> and the pin shaft <NUM> are aligned with and extend downwards into the track system <NUM>.

Moreover, the bottom portion of the spring <NUM> may be in direct contact with the external surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the spring <NUM> biases the spring pin <NUM> such that the cross-member <NUM> and pin shaft <NUM> may be suspended within the track system <NUM>. Applying a downward force to the button <NUM> (i.e., pressing or holding button down) may compress the spring <NUM> between the button <NUM> and the external surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. Subsequently, the compression of the spring <NUM> along with the downward force may urge the spring pin <NUM> in the downward direction, as illustrated by arrow D. Conversely, removal of the downward force from the button <NUM> (i.e., releasing button) may allow the spring <NUM> to expand back to its original, uncompressed state and the restoring spring force may bias the spring pin <NUM> in an upward direction, as illustrated by arrow U.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>) the spring pin <NUM> may be in a first locked position <NUM>. Accordingly, in the first locked position <NUM> the cross-member <NUM> and a portion of the pin shaft <NUM> may be suspended within a first vertical channel <NUM> of the track system <NUM>. Furthermore, in the suspended position, the cross-member <NUM> and the pin shaft <NUM> are aligned with and obstructed by a locking portion <NUM> of the track system <NUM>. Accordingly, interaction between the spring pin <NUM> and the locking portion <NUM> of the track system <NUM> may restrict or otherwise block the bar <NUM> from sliding in a longitudinal direction represented by the arrow L.

During extension of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, applying the downward force on the button <NUM> may urge the spring pin <NUM> downward in the first vertical channel <NUM> such that at least a portion of the spring pin <NUM> is positioned in a lower longitudinal channel <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG> an intermediate position <NUM> of the spring pin <NUM> shown in dashed lines illustrates the cross-member <NUM> aligned with the lower longitudinal channel <NUM>. The lower longitudinal channel <NUM> provides an unobstructed longitudinal pathway for the cross-member <NUM> and lower portion of the pin shaft <NUM> within the track system <NUM>. Furthermore, the upper portion of the pin shaft <NUM> remains aligned with the upper longitudinal channel <NUM> of the track system <NUM> and the bar <NUM> becomes free to slide or extend from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates a second vertical channel <NUM> associated with a second locked position <NUM> of the track system <NUM>. Furthermore, a spring pin <NUM> is shown in dashed lines as to illustrate the position of the spring pin <NUM> at the second locked position <NUM>. Once the bar <NUM> is fully extended the downward force may be removed from the button <NUM> and the spring <NUM> expands back to its original uncompressed state. Accordingly, the restoring spring force may cause the cross-member <NUM> and lower portion of the pin shaft <NUM> to retract in an upward direction through the second vertical channel <NUM>, as illustrated by arrow U. The second vertical channel <NUM> defines the second locked position <NUM> associated with the extended position <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> (<FIG>). Similar, to the first locked position <NUM>, when the spring pin <NUM> is moved into the second locked position <NUM>, the cross-member <NUM> may be suspended within a second vertical channel <NUM> of the track system <NUM> and aligned with a locking portion <NUM> of the track system <NUM>. As a result, the bar <NUM> may be locked or otherwise restricted from moving from the extended position <NUM>. To retract the bar <NUM>, and return the handle member to the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>), the downward force may be reapplied to the button <NUM> to urge the cross-member <NUM> downward into the lower longitudinal channel <NUM>. The bar <NUM> may then slide or otherwise move in the longitudinal direction opposite of arrow L until the spring pin <NUM> is returned back to the first locked position <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates two positions of the spring pin <NUM> (e.g., first locked position <NUM> and second locked position <NUM>) it will be understood that the track system <NUM> may include one or more intermediate locking positions to provide additional adjustment points during the extension and/or retraction of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an extension mechanism <NUM> which includes a button <NUM> extending from a top surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. While the button <NUM> is shown adjacent to and extending away from the top surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>, it will be understood the button <NUM> may also be positioned adjacent to a back surface, bottom surface or other such location of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and/or the extendable handle portion <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG>, the button <NUM> is operably coupled to a spring pin <NUM> via a lever mechanism <NUM>. Furthermore, the bar <NUM> includes a plurality of notches <NUM> and the spring pin <NUM> includes a block <NUM> that is normally biased by a spring <NUM> to interact with one or more notch of the plurality of notches <NUM> to restrict extension and/or retraction of the bar <NUM>.

In one non-limiting example of the extension mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is fixedly attached to the extendable handle portion <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> may longitudinally move within the handle cavity <NUM> defined in the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in the extended position <NUM> and the extension mechanism <NUM> may be used to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> between the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>), the extended position <NUM> or an intermediate position in between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>). Accordingly, activation of the button <NUM> (i.e., pressing the button) may cause the lever mechanism <NUM> to interact with the spring pin <NUM> to compress the spring <NUM> and lower or otherwise disengage the block <NUM> from the plurality of notches <NUM> defined in the bar <NUM>. As a result, the bar <NUM> is able to slide or otherwise retract into the handle cavity <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> is able to be adjusted from the extended position <NUM> to the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>) or into one or more intermediate positions therebetween.

In the extension mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the button <NUM> is operably coupled to the spring pin <NUM> via a lever mechanism <NUM>. Furthermore, a first magnet <NUM> is coupled to the lever mechanism <NUM> and a second magnet <NUM> is coupled to the spring <NUM> of the spring pin <NUM>. The bar <NUM> includes the plurality of notches <NUM> and the spring pin <NUM> includes the block <NUM> that is normally biased by the spring <NUM> to interact with one or more notch of the plurality of notches <NUM> to restrict extension and/or retraction of the bar <NUM>.

In one non-limiting example, the extension mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include the second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> being fixedly attached to the extendable handle portion <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is configured to move longitudinally within the handle cavity <NUM> defined within an interior area the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the extended position <NUM> and the extension mechanism <NUM> may be used to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> between the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>), the extended position <NUM> or an intermediate position in between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>).

Accordingly, activation of the button <NUM> (i.e., pressing the button) may cause the lever mechanism <NUM> to move the first magnet <NUM> in proximity to the second magnet <NUM> such that the first magnet <NUM> and second magnet <NUM> are attracted towards one another. Such magnetic attraction may create a magnetic flux strong enough to compress the spring <NUM> and disengage the block <NUM> from the plurality of notches <NUM> defined in the bar <NUM>. As a result, the bar <NUM> is able to slide or otherwise move into the handle cavity <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> is able to be adjusted from the extended position <NUM> to the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>) or into one or more intermediate positions therebetween.

As discussed above, when the first magnet <NUM> and the second magnet <NUM> are positioned in proximity to each other a low density magnetic flux of a few Teslas may be produced (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> Teslas). Furthermore, the spring <NUM> may be configured with a spring force greater than the magnetic force produced by the first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, when the button <NUM> is released the larger spring force of the spring <NUM> will overcome the magnetic force between the first and second magnets <NUM>, <NUM> and bias the block <NUM> to engage or otherwise interfere with one or more of the plurality of notches <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> will be restricted from extending and/or retracting.

<FIG> illustrate an extension mechanism <NUM> which includes a spur gear <NUM> rotatably mounted within the handle cavity <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the extendable handle portion <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> may longitudinally move within the handle cavity <NUM> defined in the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the bar <NUM> may include a plurality of gear teeth <NUM> which are complimentary to the spur gear <NUM>. Applying an external force (i.e., pulling and/or pushing) on the extendable handle portion <NUM> may cause the spur gear <NUM> to rotate along the plurality of gear teeth <NUM> to adjust the adjustable handle portion <NUM> between the extended position <NUM> or the retracted position <NUM> (<FIG>). While the spur gear <NUM> is illustrated being in the extendable handle portion <NUM> and the bar <NUM> is fixedly attached to the extendable handle portion <NUM>, it will be understood that the spur gear <NUM> may alternately be mounted in the extendable handle portion <NUM> and the bar <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

In one non-limiting example illustrated in <FIG>, the spur gear <NUM> may be mounted on an axle <NUM> that extends vertically within the handle cavity <NUM>. Moreover, the axle <NUM> may extend from an interior bottom surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> up to a height within the handle cavity <NUM> that aligns the spur gear <NUM> with the plurality of gear teeth <NUM> on the bar <NUM>. As a result, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be adjusted between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> by pulling the extendable handle portion <NUM> away from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and/or pushing the extendable handle portion <NUM> towards the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, the spur gear <NUM> may be rotatably mounted to a gear bracket <NUM> that is coupled to an internal top surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the spur gear <NUM> is suspended within the handle cavity <NUM> from the internal top surface of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the gear bracket <NUM> is configured to position the spur gear <NUM> to mesh or otherwise interact with the gear teeth <NUM> along the bar <NUM>. Thus, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be adjusted between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> by pulling the extendable handle portion <NUM> away from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and/or pushing the extendable handle portion <NUM> towards the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

As further illustrated in <FIG>, the gear bracket <NUM> may be operably coupled to a button <NUM> that extends through the internal top surface <NUM> to an external top surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. When the button <NUM> is in a non-activated state, the gear bracket <NUM> may position the spur gear <NUM> a specified distance above the bar <NUM> such that the spur gear <NUM> and the plurality of gear teeth <NUM> are not in contact or otherwise meshed with one another. As a result, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be in a locked state and the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> may not be adjusted between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. Activation (i.e., pressing) of the button <NUM> may actuate or otherwise move the gear bracket <NUM> and the spur gear <NUM> downwards towards the bar <NUM> to engage the plurality of gear teeth <NUM> defined along the bar <NUM>. Accordingly, when the spur gear <NUM> and gear teeth <NUM> come into contact with each other and the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be adjusted into either the extended position <NUM> and/or the retracted position <NUM> by pulling the extendable handle portion <NUM> away from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> or pushing the extendable handle portion <NUM> towards the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, an extension mechanism including compression U-slider <NUM> is shown. The compression U-slider <NUM> is disposed within the handle cavity <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. Furthermore, the compression U-slider <NUM> is disposed between a first interior surface <NUM> and an opposing second interior surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> such that a portion of the compression U-slider <NUM> is in direct contact with the first interior surface <NUM> and the second interior surface <NUM>. Moreover, the first end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is fixedly attached to the compression U-slider <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the bar <NUM> is fixedly attached to the extendable handle portion <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> may include a retracted locking position <NUM> associated with the retracted position <NUM> and an extended locking position <NUM> associated with the extended position <NUM>. The retracted and extended locking positions <NUM>, <NUM> may be openings that extend through the top surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. The compression U-slider <NUM> may further include a tab <NUM> configured to align with and extend through the retracted and extended locking positions <NUM>, <NUM> to lock or otherwise restrict movement of the compression U-slider <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is in the retracted position <NUM>. The tab <NUM> of the compression U-slider <NUM> is engaged or otherwise locked into the retracted locking position <NUM>. Accordingly, the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> are adjacently positioned along the handle seam <NUM> and the bar <NUM> is retracted within the handle cavity <NUM>. Applying an external pressure (i.e., pressing) on the tab <NUM> as illustrated by the arrow in <FIG>, may compress the compression U-slider <NUM> and urge the tab <NUM> into the handle cavity <NUM>. Such movement of the tab <NUM> may disengage or unlock the compression U-slider from the retracted locking position <NUM> and the adjustable handle portion <NUM> may be adjusted between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> by pulling the extendable handle portion <NUM> away from the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and/or pushing the extendable handle portion <NUM> towards the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the extension and/or retraction of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>. During the adjustment between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM> the compression U-slider <NUM> is compressed within the handle cavity <NUM> such that the tab <NUM> is slidably engaged with the first interior surface <NUM> and an opposing portion of the compression U-slider <NUM> is engaged with the second interior surface <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. As further illustrated in <FIG>, applying an external force on the extendable handle portion <NUM> in the direction of the arrow will cause the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and extendable handle portion <NUM> to separate from each other at the handle seam <NUM>. The compression U-slider <NUM> may continue to slide along the first and second interior surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> until the tab <NUM> reaches the extended locking position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in the extended position <NUM> and the compression U-slider <NUM> being engaged with or otherwise locked into the extended locking position <NUM>. As discussed above, during the extension of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, the compression U-slider <NUM> may slide along the first and second interior surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the non-extendable handle portion <NUM>. When the tab <NUM> reaches the extended locking position <NUM>, the compression U-slider may expand such that the tab <NUM> is urged into the extended locking position <NUM>, as illustrated by the arrow. Accordingly, the adjustable handle portion is in the extended position <NUM> and the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and the extendable handle portion <NUM> are separated from one another with the bar <NUM> extending from the handle cavity <NUM> and disposed therebetween. While <FIG> show the retracted and extended locking positions <NUM>, <NUM>, it will be understood that intermediate positions may be defined to provide other extension lengths between the non-extendable handle portion <NUM> and extendable handle portion <NUM>.

In general, the teachings of the present disclosure may find applicability in many industries including building construction and decorating industries. More specifically, the rotating door handle assembly of the present disclosure may be applicable to building and residence construction according to aging-in-place practices by providing an adjustable handle portion that includes an extension mechanism to easily adjust the handle length. Moreover, individuals with certain physical limitations brought on by advanced age or other physical conditions may experience difficulty operating doors with rotating door handles. As a result, door handles that can be adjusted between a standard and extended length may provide some benefit because the force required to twist or rotate a door handle decreases with an increase in handle length. Additionally, rotating door handle assemblies with an adjustable handle may be desirable because a single handle design can be used throughout a building. Additionally, the adjustable handle may be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and design standards for ease of use and requirements of rotating door handle assemblies used to open a larger sized door.

<FIG> shows a retracted handle displacement <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is adjusted into the first handle length <NUM> associated with the retracted position <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the first handle length <NUM> is approximately <NUM> inches; however, it will be understood that other lengths are possible. Accordingly, when an external force <NUM> is applied to the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, the rotating door handle assembly <NUM> is displaced from a retracted handle starting position <NUM>, illustrated by the dotted outline of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, to a retracted handle ending position <NUM>. Accordingly, the retracted displacement handle <NUM> is measured as the distance between the retracted handle starting position <NUM> and the retracted handle ending position <NUM>. Furthermore, in one non-limiting example the external force <NUM> applied to the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is equal to <NUM> poundsforce (lbf), however other force magnitudes may be used.

<FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG> shows an extended handle displacement <NUM> of the adjustable handle portion <NUM> when the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is adjusted into the second handle length <NUM> associated with the extended position <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the second handle length <NUM> is approximately <NUM> inches; however, it will be understood that other lengths are possible. Accordingly, when the same external force <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> lbf) is applied to the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the adjustable handle portion <NUM> is displaced from an extended handle starting position <NUM>, illustrated by the dotted outline of the adjustable handle portion <NUM>, to an extended handle ending position <NUM>. Accordingly, the extended handle displacement <NUM> is measured as the distance between the extended handle starting position <NUM> and the extended handle ending position <NUM>. As stated above, in this non-limiting example the external force <NUM> applied to the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM> is equal to <NUM> lbf, however other force amounts may be used.

A difference between the retracted handle displacement <NUM> and the extended handle displacement <NUM> was measured when an equal external force <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> lbf) was applied to the adjustable handle portion <NUM> in the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the total extended handle displacement <NUM> was about three times the magnitude of the total retracted handle displacement <NUM>. In other words, when an equal force is applied to a shorter handle and a longer handle, the longer handle will have a larger displacement. Furthermore, it may be reasoned that a lower external force may be required to act on the adjustable handle in the extended position <NUM> to produce the extended handle displacement <NUM> that is equal to the retracted handle displacement <NUM>. Thus, in some cases, a longer length door handle may allow a door to be opened using a lower amount of force.

While the preceding text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of protection is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the appended claims defining the scope of protection.

Claim 1:
A handle comprising:
a first member (<NUM>), wherein a length of the first member is adjustable; and
a bar (<NUM>) extendably coupled between a non-extendable portion (<NUM>) and an extendable portion (<NUM>) of the first member;
wherein a cavity (<NUM>) is defined within a portion of at least one of the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion, and wherein the bar is enclosed within the cavity when the first member is in a non-extended position (<NUM>) and the bar is extended from the cavity between the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion when the first member is in an extended position (<NUM>);
wherein the handle further comprises an extension mechanism (<NUM>) operably engaged with the non-extendable portion, the extendable portion, and the bar, wherein the extension mechanism is configured to extend the bar between the non-extendable portion and the extendable portion when the first member is in the extended position and retract the bar within the cavity when the first member is in the non-extended position;
wherein
the handle further comprises a second rotatable member (<NUM>) configured to engage a door latch mechanism (<NUM>), wherein the second rotatable member is mechanically engaged with the first member; characterized in that:
the extension mechanism includes a spring pin (<NUM>) and a button (<NUM>) operably coupled to the spring pin, and wherein activation of the button and the spring pin allows the bar to adjust the first member between the extended position and the non-extended position;
the button is operably coupled to a lever mechanism (<NUM>) and the spring pin engages with a plurality of notches (<NUM>) defined along the bar, and wherein activation of the button causes the lever mechanism to disengage the spring pin from the plurality of notches to allow the bar to adjust the first member between the extended position and the non-extended position; and
the button is further coupled to a first magnet (<NUM>) and the spring pin is coupled to a second magnet (<NUM>), and wherein activation of the button causes the lever mechanism to adjacently position the first magnet and the second magnet such that the first and second magnets are attracted towards each other to disengage the spring pin from the plurality of notches to allow the bar to adjust the first member between the extended position (<NUM>) and the non-extended position.