Adjustable cabinet handle

Abstract

An adjustable cabinet handle provides a convenient means to replace or update an existing cabinet door handle. The adjustable cabinet handle includes a central handle body having mounting portions affixed to each opposing end. The center-to-center distance between the mounting portions is adjustable, thereby allowing an installer to utilize the existing mounting holes in the cabinet door to mount the new cabinet handle.

Claims

1. An adjustable handle, comprising: a handle portion; a first handle extension integral with a handle portion first end; a second handle extension integral with a handle portion second end; a first nut fastener slot disposed within said first handle extension; a second nut fastener slot disposed within said second handle extension; a first threaded aperture disposed subjacent said first nut fastener slot; and, a second threaded aperture disposed subjacent said second nut fastener slot; wherein said handle may be adjustably secured to a cabinet door by use of a first nut fastener which slidingly engages within said first nut fastener slot and a first cabinet aperture and a second nut fastener which slidingly engages within said second nut fastener slot and a second cabinet aperture; and, wherein said handle may be secured to said cabinet door by use of fasteners independently secured through said first threaded aperture and said second threaded aperture.

2. The handle of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises rubber.

3. The handle of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises metal.

4. The handle of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a chrome finish.

5. The handle of claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a matte finish.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an environmental view showing installation of an adjustable cabinet handle 10 onto an existing cabinet door 50 of an existing cabinet 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable handle 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the adjustable cabinet handle 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the adjustable cabinet handle 10 taken along section line A-A (see FIG. 2), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an alternate embodiment 200 of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a top view of a second alternate embodiment 230 of the present invention; and,

(8) FIG. 7 is a top view of a third alternate embodiment 240 of the present invention.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

(9) 10 adjustable handle 15 handle body 25a first shaft 25b second shaft 30 first attachment member 30a first attachment member first side 30b first attachment member second side 35 second attachment member 35a second attachment member first side 35b second attachment member second side 37a first female aperture 37b second female aperture 50 existing cabinet door 75 user 80a first threaded fastener 80b second threaded fastener 82a first threaded aperture 82b second threaded aperture 82c third threaded aperture 82d fourth threaded aperture 84a first set screw 84b second set screw 100 existing cabinet 110 existing fastener aperture 200 alternate embodiment 201 alternate handle portion 205a alternate embodiment first threaded aperture 205b alternate embodiment second threaded aperture 210a first handle extension 210b second handle extension 220a first nut fastener 220b second nut fastener 225a first nut fastener slot 225b second nut fastener slot 230 second alternate embodiment 240 third alternate embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(10) The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 4, and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within FIG. 5. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

(11) The terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items.

(12) Referring now to FIG. 1, an environmental view of the system 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The present invention describes an adjustable cabinet handle (herein described as the system) 10, which provides a central handle body portion 15 having a first attachment member 30 affixed to one (1) end portion, and a second attachment member 35 affixed to the opposing end portion. The center-to-center distance between the attachment members 30, 35 may be adjusted, thereby enabling mounting the system 10 to existing fastener aperture portions 110 of an existing cabinet door portion 50 of an existing cabinet 100. It is understood that the system 10 may also be applied to other similar structures such as a drawer with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system 10. It is envisioned that multiple units of the system 10 having a particular design would be made available for purchase as a set. It is further envisioned that sets of the system 10 would be available having various handle body 15 and attachment member 30, 35 designs, materials, and decorative appearances based upon a user's preference without deviating from the teachings of the system 10, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor.

(13) A user 75, as shown here, may install the system 10 by manipulating the attachment members 30, 35 until obtaining alignment of the attachment members 30, 35 with corresponding existing fastener apertures 110 present within the existing cabinet door 50. A pair of threaded fasteners 80 may then be utilized to secure the system 10 in place (also see FIG. 4).

(14) The system 10 may be installed on a variety of sized cabinet doors 50. The attachment members 30, 35 include respective first shaft 25a and second shaft 25b portions, respectively (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The adjustability of the shafts 25a, 25b relative to the handle body 15 permits installation of the system 10 in various configurations including straight, arcuate, and at an angle without the need to cut, drill, or measure the system 10. Once situated and fastened into place, the system 10 becomes a permanent attachment.

(15) Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, perspective, exploded, and sectional views of the system 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. A particular embodiment of the system 10 is shown here having a particular handle body embodiment 15 for illustration sake, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system 10. The first shaft 25a and second shaft 25b are integral to the handle body 15 and are arranged in a bilateral manner, extending from opposing end portions of the handle body 15. The shafts 25a, 25b provide cylindrical shapes which slidingly engage respective first female aperture 37a and second female aperture 37b portions of the first attachment member 30, having a first side 30a and a second side 30b, and second attachment member 35, having a first side 35a and a second side 35b, portions. An embodiment of the attachment members 30, 35 is shown here having an elbow-shape design for illustration sake, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system 10. The attachment members 30, 35 are slidingly positioned upon the respective shafts 25a, 25b to obtain a desired center-to-center distance matching that of the existing fastener apertures 110, and secured in position via respective set screws 84a, 84b being engaged within corresponding threaded aperture portions 82b, 82d of the attachment members 30, 35. The linearly adjustable attachment members 30, 35 enable mounting the system 10 to an existing cabinet door 50 while utilizing the existing fastener apertures 110 of the existing cabinet door 50 regardless of the spacing of the existing fastener apertures 110.

(16) The shafts 25a, 25b allow for quick accurate adjustment of the length of the system 10 without the need of measuring tools or equipment when positioning the system 10. Once the shafts 25a, 25b are correctly positioned within the respective first 37a and second 37b female apertures, the set screws 84a, 84b are installed within the second threaded aperture portions 82b, 82d located along a bottom surface of the attachment members 30, 35. The set screws 84a, 84b act to clamp onto the shafts 25a, 25b. The system 10 then becomes a permanent fixture of the cabinet door 50, or other similar structure such as a drawer.

(17) It is envisioned that the handle body 15 may comprise a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material, if desired. A handle body 15, first attachment member 30, second attachment member 35, or alternate embodiments 200, 230 and 240 made using a flexible material such as rubber or plastic may be manipulated to various degrees of flexion for additional installation applications such as when installing the system 10 or 200, 230 and 240 at an angle, in an arcuate configuration, or in tight areas (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The use of an elastic handle body portion 15, 201 may allow for positioning in otherwise difficult orientations. Alternatively, a handle body 15, first attachment member 30, second attachment member 35, or alternate embodiment 200 may be made of any metal suitable for such purposes such as but not limit to copper, steel, nickel, iron and brass and may having either a chrome or matte finish. Lastly, all of the forgoing elements, 15, 30, 35 and 200 may be made of any wood which is suitable for such purposes such as oak, pine, cherry, ash, maple etc.

(18) The system 10 is envisioned to improve the installation process so that a user 75 such as a carpenter, woodworker, or do-it-yourself enthusiast may avoid lengthy unnecessary hunching and bending, thus avoiding possible injury. The design of the system 10 is envisioned to reduce the time needed to complete a prolonged assignment by minimizing required measuring.

(19) It is understood that the existing fastener apertures 110 of the existing cabinet door 50 may be arranged vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for receiving the attachment members 30, 35 of the system 10. Multiple drawers and cabinet doors 50 may be fitted with the system 10 in a variety of positions regardless of how the structures are manufactured. The ease of installation, and the ability to install without measurement makes the system 10 ideal for the average user 75 to customize existing cabinet handles with a new design.

(20) The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of the adjustable handle 10 may vary upon manufacturing.

(21) Referring now to FIG. 5, a bottom view of an alternate embodiment 200 of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate embodiment 200 illustrated here includes a handle body 201, an integral first handle extension 210a and a second handle extension 210b portions which protrude outwardly along a common axis approximately one-half inch to one inch (-1 in.) from opposing end portions of the alternate embodiment 200. Each handle extension 210a, 210b further includes an elongated internal nut fastener slot 225a, 225b containing an entrapped nut fastener 220a, 220b. The nut fasteners 220a, 220b are entrapped laterally within the respective nut fastener slots 225a, 225b while allowing longitudinal sliding of the nut fasteners 220a, 220b. Positioning of the nut fasteners 220a, 220b enables quick adjustment of a center-to-center distance between the nut fasteners 220a, 220b, thereby providing versatile installation onto an existing cabinet door 50 by adjusting to the center-to-center distance of the existing fastener apertures 110. The nut fastener slots 225a, 225b are envisioned to extend completely through each handle extension 210a, 210b, thereby allowing reversible mounting and engagement of the alternate embodiment 200. The alternate embodiment 200 is also envisioned to include a pair of threaded apertures 205a, 205b positioned adjacent to each nut fastener slot 225a, 225b respectively.

(22) It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

(23) The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system 10, it would be installed as indicated in FIG. 1.

(24) The method of installing and utilizing the system 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a set or desired number of units of the system 10, having a desired design based upon a user's preference; removing a desired number of existing handles from existing cabinet doors 50 and/or drawers; preparing an initial unit of the system 10 for installation by loosening the set screws 84a, 84b of each attachment member 30, 35 until the shafts 25a, 25b slide freely within the respective first female aperture 37a and second female aperture 37b portions of the attachment members 30, 35; manipulating the shafts 25a, 25b within the respective female apertures 37a, 37b until obtaining proper alignment of the threaded respective aperture portions 82a, 82c of the attachment members 30, 35 and the corresponding existing fastener apertures 110 present within an existing cabinet door 50 or drawer; tightening the set screws 84a, 84b within the threaded apertures 82b, 82d to secure the shafts 25a, 25b in position; inserting corresponding threaded fasteners 80a and 80b through a rear side portion of the existing fastener apertures 110; threadingly engaging and tightening the threaded fasteners 80a, 80b within the respective threaded apertures 82a, 82c of the attachment members 30, 35; repeating the previous steps for all remaining units of the system 10 to be installed; and, benefiting from eliminating a need to cut, drill, or take measurements while installing new adjustable handles 10 upon cabinets and/or drawers, afforded a user of the system 10.

(25) The method of installing and utilizing the alternate embodiment 200 of the invention may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a desired number of units of the alternate embodiment 200; positioning an initial unit of the alternate embodiment 200 at a desired location upon the existing cabinet door 50; adjusting the nut fasteners 220 side-to-side within the nut fastener slots 225 until obtaining alignment of the nut fasteners 220 and the existing fastener apertures 110 of the existing cabinet door 50; inserting threaded fasteners 80 through a rear side portion of the existing fastener apertures 110; threadingly engaging and tightening the threaded fasteners 80 within the nut fasteners 220 of the handle extensions 210a, 210b; and, repeating the previous steps for all remaining units of the alternate embodiment 200 to be installed.

(26) The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.