Ergonomic Handle Extensions for Enhanced Accessibility and Safety
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept applies the core technology of the original patent to various industries, providing ergonomic handle extensions that enhance accessibility, reduce fatigue, and improve safety for users in public transportation, industrial settings, assistive devices, office environments, and construction sites.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described an endcap for sporting implements, which, while effective for its intended purpose, has limitations in terms of its applicability to other fields. The new inventive concept addresses the need for ergonomic handle extensions that can be adapted to various industries, providing users with improved grip, reduced strain, and enhanced safety.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The ergonomic handle extension consists of a rigid base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The transverse extension has a width at a location proximal to the attachment point, and its design allows for a comfortable grip, reducing strain and fatigue. In various embodiments, the transverse extension may curve towards the central axis, have a continuous upper surface sweeping through an arc of less than 90 degrees, feature a generally smooth inside surface, or have a concave surface facing towards the central axis. These design elements enable the handle extension to support a user's fifth proximal phalanx, preventing slipping, twisting, or accidents.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the original patent's core technology to entirely new industries and use cases, providing a previously unknown solution for enhancing accessibility, reducing fatigue, and improving safety. The inventive step is in the recognition of the potential for ergonomic handle extensions to address specific pain points in various fields, and the design of the transverse extension to accommodate these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the ergonomic handle extension may include adjustable or customizable designs, materials with varying textures or grip properties, or integration with sensors or other technologies to monitor user comfort or fatigue. Variations may also include different attachment mechanisms or modular designs to facilitate easy installation or replacement.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The ergonomic handle extension has significant commercial potential in various industries, including public transportation, industrial manufacturing, assistive devices, office furniture, and construction equipment. The market for such solutions is substantial, driven by the growing need for accessibility, safety, and ergonomics in diverse settings.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B60/16 |
| A | A63 | A63B60/14 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Ergonomic handle and extension design for sporting, industrial, and assistive equipment, focusing on user interface and grip optimization. Requires understanding of mechanical design, human factors engineering, and material science
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with 3-5 years experience in ergonomic product design, familiar with human factors principles, material selection, and design adaptation across different usage contexts
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's handle extension design provides a fundamental technical framework that can be systematically adapted across multiple application domains. The core mechanical principles of the rigid base portion and transverse extension are universally applicable, with minor contextual modifications. The PTD's variations represent predictable design extensions that leverage the source patent's core technological insights through straightforward ergonomic adaptation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,854 |
|---|---|
| Title | Handle extension |