Handle with soft gel cushioning member

Abstract

The handle construction of the present invention includes a low durometer grip portion that provides comfort and an ergonomic benefit to the user. The handle includes a rigid core with a gel member received in a recessed seat. The gel member preferably has a durometer of 65 Shore 00 or less. A thin top finish layer, of elastomeric or polymer film, is optionally provided on the top of the gel member, such as in a thickness of less than 4 thousandths of an inch in thickness (<4 mil) to provide a durable and aesthetic surface. The combination of the molded low durometer gel member, with an otherwise rigid handle, allows for the creation of an overall handle that has areas that are more rigid along with areas that exhibit a very soft feel.

1 . An improved handle, comprising: 
 a rigid core defining a recess seat therein having a top edge;    a molded gel member, having an outer surface, residing in the recess seat; and    an outer layer disposed on the outer surface of the molded gel member.    
   
   
       2 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the core is manufactured of material selected from the group consisting of plastic and metal.  
   
   
       3 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric film layer and an elastomeric polymer coating.  
   
   
       4 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is made of polyurethane.  
   
   
       5 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and silicone-based material.  
   
   
       6 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is less than 4 mil in thickness.  
   
   
       7 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is less than 2 mil in thickness.  
   
   
       8 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is less than 1 mil in thickness.  
   
   
       9 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer has a thickness in the range of 0.4 to 0.8 mil.  
   
   
       10 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is pigmented.  
   
   
       11 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer is transparent.  
   
   
       12 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer of film carries printed graphics on a surface thereof in communication with the molded gel member thereon.  
   
   
       13 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer contains antimicrobial agents.  
   
   
       14 . The improved handle of  claim 13 , wherein the outer layer contains antimicrobial agents selected from the group consisting of antimicrobial silver, antimicrobial copper and antimicrobial zinc.  
   
   
       15 . The improved handle of  claim 13 , wherein the outer layer contains antimicrobial agents selected from the group consisting of nano-particle silver, nano-particle copper and nano-particle zinc.  
   
   
       16 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the molded gel member is not flush with the top edge of the recess seat of the hard plastic core.  
   
   
       17 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a lower layer between the gel and the recess seat.    
   
   
       18 . The improved handle of  claim 17 , wherein the lower layer is a polyester film.  
   
   
       19 . The improved handle of  claim 18 , wherein the lower layer of polyester film is 2 mil or less.  
   
   
       20 . The improved handle of  claim 17 , wherein the lower layer is fabric.  
   
   
       21 . The improved handle of  claim 20 , wherein the fabric is nonwoven.  
   
   
       22 . The improved handle of  claim 17 , wherein the lower layer is colored.  
   
   
       23 . The improved handle of  claim 17 , wherein the lower layer carries printing thereon.  
   
   
       24 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a surface finish disposed on the top of the outer layer.    
   
   
       25 . The improved handle of  claim 24 , wherein the surface finish contains antimicrobial agents.  
   
   
       26 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the outer layer contains phase change materials.  
   
   
       27 . The improved handle of  claim 26 , wherein the phase change materials are contained in microshperes.  
   
   
       28 . The improved handle of  claim 24 , wherein the surface finish contains phase change materials.  
   
   
       29 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member is removably secured to the recess seat.  
   
   
       30 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member has a durometer of 65 shore 00 or less.  
   
   
       31 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member has a durometer of 55 shore 00 or less.  
   
   
       32 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member has a durometer of 45 shore 00 or less.  
   
   
       33 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the gel member has a durometer of 25 shore 00 to 55 shore 00.  
   
   
       34 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the molded gel member includes a flange embraced by the rigid core.  
   
   
       35 . The improved handle of  claim 1 , wherein the molded gel member and the outer layer both include respective flanges embraced by the rigid core.  
   
   
       36 . The improved handle of  claim 17 , wherein the molded gel member, the outer layer and the lower layer each include respective flanges embraced by the rigid core.