BACKGROUND ART Presently, there are a number of handle assemblies known in the art which are liftable from a first position to a second position which permits the handle to be either operable or grasped by a user. Some devices have employed separate keeper members which secure a handle in a position. Often the catches must be secured and released every time the handle is used, otherwise, there is a risk that the handle will shift, especially when vibration forces are present, thus causing the handle to become loose or even broken.

In panel applications, there are sometimes recesses or panel cutouts which allow a user to insert ones fingers in the recess to grip the panel. One common type of panel recess is an oval shaped recess which permits a user's fingers to extend into, or through, a panel for lifting of the panel. However, the inclusion of an aperture in a panel, in many cases, is undesirable, as debris, water, and other materials can enter the compartment through the aperture. Another common approach is to employ handles which can be attached to a panel. However, unlike merely providing a panel

aperture, a handle mounted on a panel generally protrudes from the panel, with a larger the handle size corresponding to a greater protrusion from the panel.

It is known to provide a handle which can comprise a wire, such as a generally u-shaped member, which is attached at each end thereof and can be lifted for gripping.

This type of handle is commonly employed in connection with such applications as desk drawers and other furniture items.

Where larger force loads are encountered, a handle must be operative and must accommodate the load capacity in a manner which renders the handle functional.

While handles can be made larger or thicker to support increased lifting or pulling loads, or even loads acting on the handle itself, the handle often must fit within a predetermined space.

In addition, as panel and lifting loads are increased, the handle must operate under such increased loads. Additionally, there can be problems with handles actually being crushed by the force loads of the panels or cabinets with which they are used.

For example, repeated dropping of a panel member onto another panel can often cause the handle to strike one of the panels, especially where the handle protrudes from a panel. Thus, in normal use, many handles are forced to repeatedly receive this type of load, and need replacing at times. Moreover, the handle, if it is made from a strong material such as steel, may resist the panel force, but can cause indentations or disfigurement to the panel against which it engages. For example, a painted or coated panel may become marred or chipped.

The need exists for a handle which will provide adequate gripping for lifting various panel loads, which will also minimize the damage to the handle and adjacent panels which the handle engages when in use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a handle assembly for use with a panel for facilitating opening and closing of a first panel member relative to a second panel or closure compartment. The handle is provided to be suitable for use in panel applications where one panel falls onto another panel. The handle assembly includes a bumper element which supports a colliding panel or adjacent cabinet surfaces. The handle assembly includes a base which is preferably comprised of a material which is strong enough to hold a handle for gripping and yet resilient to provide a sealing mount. Preferably, the base of the handle assembly is provided to seal against a panel to which the handle assembly is mounted. This sealing ability impedes the passage of dirt, debris, and water from traveling through the panel, and, ultimately, into the compartment.

The handle assembly further includes a supporting mechanism, such as a base insert which is installed in the base member. Preferably, the base insert is more rigid than the base, and provides additional support for the handle assembly. A bumper mechanism is provided on the base to facilitate accommodating the force load from a panel or compartment, when the panel to which the handle assembly is mounted collides with or engages an adjacent panel or surface.

The handle assembly also provides a mechanism which enables the handle element to maintain itself against breakage or crushing. A biasing force is imparted on the handle element to permit the handle element to occupy a range of positions over a swing arc, while the handle element remains biased to a folded position.

The handle assembly of the present invention, while having a considerable number of uses, is particularly suitable for vehicle panel applications, such as, for

example, closure panels on cars, vans, trucks, and other vehicles, including automobiles, marine craft, and air craft, including tonneau covers. For example, in many vehicles, a panel when opened, will fall on, or collide against an adjacent panel member. The handle and other hardware can often damage the finish of the panel or create depressions in the surface, or sometimes even disfigure the panel and take it out of alignment.

An object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly which is useful for lifting or moving a first panel member relative to a second member, and in particular, where a first panel member, in its operation is likely to collide with an adjacent surface.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly, which conceals the handle within the base, or a part thereof to provide a pleasing appearance and to minimize damage to the handle assembly and any surface which it contacts.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a handle assembly which can be sealingly mounted to a panel surface in a manner which impedes the passage of particles through the panel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly with a handle element which can be deflected to resist the force load of a contacting surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly which includes a biasing component for returning the handle element to its original position after it has been raised from that position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which regulates the swing movement of the handle element relative to a base.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handle assembly where a handle element is regulated to be returned to a predetermined position, or at least in a

predetermined direction, when a force load is applied to the handle element from an adjacent panel or structure.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when taken into consideration with the following description and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a parallel perspective view of a handle assembly according to the present invention, viewed from the bottom left side, with the handle element in its folded position.

Fig. 2 is a right side elevation view of the handle assembly shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is parallel perspective view of a pin member of the handle assembly of Fig. 1, shown with a torsion spring installed thereon.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the handle assembly of Fig. 1, shown with the handle element in an unfolded position.

Fig. 5 is a separate, parallel perspective view of the base of the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a separate, parallel perspective view of the handle element of the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a separate, top parallel perspective view of the insert member of the handle assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of the base member shown in Fig. 5.

Figs. 9-15a show a second alternate embodiment of a handle assembly according to the present invention.

Figs. 16-22 show a third alternate embodiment of a handle assembly according to the present invention.

Figs. 23-27 show a fourth alternate embodiment of a handle assembly according to the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawing figures, there is shown in Fig. 1, a handle assembly 10 according to the present invention, comprising a base 11, and gripping means. The gripping means is shown preferably comprising a t-shaped handle element 12. The handle element 12 is shown in its folded position.

Biasing means is provided to bias the handle element 12 into its folded position.

The handle assembly 10 is operated by lifting the handle element 12 up from the base 11. The handle element 12 preferably is provided with a t-shaped end portion 14 for facilitating gripping by a user and has a connecting portion 15 at the opposite handle element end which is pivotally connected to the base 11. When the handle element 12 is lifted from the base 11, the user then pulls the handle element 12 in a direction so as to withdraw the panel to which the assembly 10 is attached and the panel can then be opened or released.

Referring to Fig. 3, connecting means is provided to pivotally connect the handle element 12 to the base 11. The connecting means is shown preferably comprising a connecting pin 17 which has a pair of legs 20,21 at one end thereof which are separated by a groove 22. Preferably, as shown, each leg 20,21 has a matingly configured end 24,25, respectively, which is provided for connection with the base 11.

The other pin end opposite that of the groove end, also preferably comprises a

matingly configured end 27. Biasing means is provided to bias the handle element 12 into its folded position (as shown in Fig. 1). The biasing means is shown in Fig. 3 comprising a torsion spring 30 having a first leg 31 and a second leg 32 which are located on opposite sides of a coil 33. The first spring leg 31 is held within the groove 22.

As shown best in Fig. 4, the handle element 12 is pivotally connected to the base 11 with the pin 17. The pin leg end 27 is shown extending through a first aperture 34 of the handle 12 (Fig. 6) and into an aperture 35 provided in the base 11 (Fig. 5).

Preferably, the pin legs 20,21 also connect the handle element 12 to the base 11 by extending through a second aperture 37 of the handle element 12 (Fig. 6). The second spring leg 32 is positioned to selectively engage with the handle element 12 when the handle element 12 is lifted from its folded (Fig. 1) position and bias the handle element 12 back to the folded position. Preferably, the handle element 12 is configured so that its inner surface 49 can be engaged by the second spring leg 32. It is further conceivable, that, while although not shown, the handle element 12 can have a groove with which the second spring leg 32 can mate. The handle element 12 is mounted for pivotal movement about the axis of the pin 17, and can be moved in either pivot direction, between the folded position shown in Fig. 1 and the fully pivoted position shown in Fig. 4. When the handle assembly 10 collides with a panel or surface, the handle element 12 can freely be moved by the colliding member so as to avoid damage to the handle assembly 10.

The handle assembly 10 has force-handling means for accommodating a load from a panel or surface which the handle assembly 10 collides with. The force- handling means preferably comprises bumpers 40,41 which are provided to receive a force load from a colliding panel or surface (not shown). The bumpers 40,41

preferably comprise a resilient but sturdy material, such as a synthetic plastic or rubber composition, but can comprise any other suitable material which is strong and has resilient properties. A handle bumper 42 is also provided against which the handle element 12 can engage in the event that the handle element 12 is depressed. This handle bumper 42 keeps the handle from shifting when it is in the closed (Fig. 1) position. Preferably, the handle element 12 is flush with, or lower than, the bumpers 40,41 of the base 11. The base 11 has a recess 45 disposed therein for accommodating the handle element 12 configuration.

The base 11 preferably includes an insert member 50 which is shown best in the separate view of Fig. 7. The insert member 50 is matingly configured for receipt within the base 11. The insert member 50 has a floor 51 with opposing, upstanding wall portions 52,53, which have a living spring element 54,55, respectively, disposed proximate the meeting edges, as shown in Fig. 7. A pair of pivot apertures 57,58 are provided in each upstanding wall portion 52,53, respectively, which align with the pivot apertures 35,36 of the base (Fig. 6) to accommodate the pin 17 therein. The insert member 50, supports the bumpers 40,41 of the base 11 to accommodate a force load received thereon. Shelves 60,61 are provided for disposition below each bumper 40, 41, respectively, to provide support to the handle assembly 10 when a collision with a panel or surface occurs.

Mounting apertures 62,63,64 are disposed in the floor 51 of the insert member 50. The mounting apertures 62,63,64 can preferably receive screws, such as, for example, sheet metal screws (not shown), for attaching the handle assembly 10 to a mounting surface, such as, for example, a panel of a vehicle. Alternately, while not shown, the apertures 62,63,64 can be threaded to receive matingly threaded corresponding screws. The insert member 50 preferably is comprised of a strong

material, such as for example, steel, although other suitable materials, such as hard plastics and the like can also be employed.

Preferably, the base 11 is configured to seat on a panel or other mounting surface to so as to impede the passage of dust debris, water and other particles which might otherwise pass through the panel. Referring now to Fig. 8, the base 11 further has a plurality of sleeves 72,73,74 extending outwardly therefrom, in the direction of the mounting surface (not shown). While not shown, the base sleeves 72,73,74 preferably extend through apertures or bores provided in a mounting panel. Screws or other fastening members, are then inserted through the sleeves 72,73,74 and the floor 45 of the base 11, and eventually into the respective apertures 62,63,64 of the insert member 50. The sleeves 72,73,74 are provided to compress and gasket the panel apertures, thereby providing a sealing capability when the handle assembly 10 is installed on a panel or mounting surface.

Reference now being made to Figs. 9-15a, a second, alternate handle assembly embodiment 110 is shown having a base 111 with a handle element 112 connected thereto and being integral therewith. The handle element 112 has a generally t-shaped gripping portion 114 which is connected to the base 111 through a shaft 115. The shaft 115 preferably is attached to the base 111 as an integral member thereof and comprises a living spring which facilitates retraction of the handle element 112 to its original position after it is lifted. The handle element 112 is provided to be lifted relative to the base 111, and preferably pivots about its point of connection with the base 111. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, finger recesses 120,121 are provided to facilitate holding of the gripping portion 114 of the handle element 112 by a user.

Mounting means is provided comprising mounting studs 119, which can be threaded for receipt of matingly threaded fastening members, such as nuts, thereon.

Alternately, the sleeves described above, or tapped holes (not shown) can also be utilized as, or in addition to, the mounting means described herein.

An insert member 150, shown in Figs. 15 and 15a, is also provided for installation within the base 111 to provide additional support. Bumper means is provided and can comprise a pair of surfaces 140,141 on the handle base 111, and may include the handle shaft 115, if the shaft 115 is positioned at the corresponding level of the bumper surfaces 140,141. Optionally, the handle element 112 can be provided to be disposed below the surface of the base 111.

As shown in Fig. 12, the detent means for maintaining the handle element 112 in a preferred position is shown comprising an offset portion 129 on the handle element 112 which engages with a corresponding recessed section 139 provided in the base 111.

Referring now to Figs. 16-22, a third alternate handle assembly 210 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a base 211, a handle element 212, connecting means for connecting the handle element 212 to the base 211, mounting means for mounting the handle assembly 210 to a mounting surface, and interference means for regulating the swing arc of the handle element 212 relative to the base 211.

The mounting means can comprise any suitable mounting members, such as the mounting posts 219. The interference means is shown comprising a protrusion 229 disposed on the base 211 which engages with the handle element 212 when the handle element is raised to a predetermined position. The handle element 212 is preferably pivotally mounted to the base 211 with a pin 217. In addition, the handle element 212 is preferably regulated to swing so that it deflects in the direction of its original position when it encounters a force load.

An insert member 250, as shown in Figs. 21 and 22, is provides for installation in the base 211 to provide support to the handle assembly. The base 211 can handle force loads from panels or other surfaces which collide with the handle assembly 210 during use. The insert member 250 preferably has pivot apertures 234,235 disposed in flanges 236 237, respectively. The insert member 250 further has a floor 251 which is generally u-shaped and has a plurality of apertures 252 disposed therein for facilitating mounting of the handle assembly 210 to a mounting surface (not shown).

A fourth alternate embodiment of a handle assembly 310 according to the present invention is shown in Figs. 23-27. The handle assembly 310 has a base 311 and a handle element 312 connected thereto. Preferably, the handle element 312 is pivotally connected to the base with a pin 317. A spring (not shown) can also be provided similar to the embodiment shown and described above in relation to Figs. 1-8 to bias the handle element 312 into, or to return to, a preferred position. The base 311 is configured to protrude to receive a force load from a colliding panel, such as, for example, the panel 500 shown in Fig. 24. Suitable mounting means, such as those described in connection with any one or more embodiments, above, can be used to attach the handle assembly 310 to a mounting surface.

Once again referring to Figs. 1-8, the pivot shaft 17 has ends which are non- circular in cross section by having flats formed on their sides. These non-circular cross section ends are received in openings 35 and 36, each of which has at least a portion with a cross section matching the gross section of the ends of the shaft 17. Thus, the pivot shaft 17 cannot move rotationally relative to the base 11. The openings 34 and 37 are substantially round to allow pivotal movement of the handle 12 about the pivot shaft 17.

The first leg 31 of the torsion spring 30 is engaged to the groove 22 formed in the pivot shaft 17. The second leg 32 of the torsion spring 30 is engaged to the handle 12 such that

pivotal movement of the handle 12 toward the extended position causes a greater displacement of the second leg 32 from its relaxed state, as compared to the second leg 32 when the handle 12 is in the folded position. In this way, the torsion spring 30 biases the handle 12 toward the folded position.

In addition to a circular cross section with flats on either side, other non-circular cross sectional shapes may also be used for the ends of the shaft 17 and the holes 35 and 36. Further, the shaft 17 may be keyed to the base 11 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As another alternative, the shaft 17 may be rotationally fixed relative to the handle 12, while rotating freely relative to the base 11. In this case, one leg of the torsion spring 30 must be fixed to either the shaft 17 or the handle 12, while the other leg of the torsion spring 30 is fixed to the base 11.

Additionally, the shaft 17 may be free rotating relative to both the handle 12 and the base 11. In this case, one leg of the torsion spring 30 must be fixed to the handle 12, while the other leg of the torsion spring 30 is fixed to the base 11.

Other modifications to the above description can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. For example, while sleeves 72,73, 74 are shown in connection with the first handle embodiment 10 shown in Figs. 1-8, it will be understood that the sleeves can be utilized in any one or more of the alternate embodiments shown and described herein. For example, the screw mounting studs shown in Figs. 10 and 11 can be employed with the handle assembly of Figs. 1-8, and likewise, the sleeves 72,73,74 can be employed with the handle assemblies of Figs.

9-27. In addition, it will be understood that the present handle assembly can be employed in conjunction with other panels and closure members, including, for example, lift-off panels, sliding panels, joining panels, folding panels, and the like.

These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawing Figures, and the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description constitutes the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the invention is subject to modification, variation and change, without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the present invention.