Handle assistance device for pull cord

• US 20100005624A1
• Filed: 04/01/2008
• Published: 01/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Steven Swearingen, Therin G. Laney
• Original Assignee: Steven Swearingen, Therin G. Laney
• Inventors: Laney, Therin G., Swearingen, Steven
• Application Number:
  US12/080,394
• Publication Number:
  US 20100005624A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/110.100
• CPC Class Codes: F16G 11/02 with parts deformable to grip the cable or cables; Fastening means which engage a sleeve or the like fixed on the cable

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an aid designed to control the free-end of a pull cord element such that effectors that cause failure of the pull cord element itself are generally avoided such as by the aid being temporarily affixed to a metallic object up and away from dirt, water and oil.

Claims

1. A handle assistance device for a pull cord, comprising;

a. a pull cord having an end affixed to an operable device and a free end which is engaged by an operator in order to use said operable device;

b. a grasping handle;

c. a cord retention element for receiving said free end of a pull cord;

d. a first magnetic pad;

e. a ferrous surface;

wherein said handle assistance device is attached to said free end of said pull cord by said cord retention element;

wherein said grasping handle of said handle assistance device is configured for applying a pulling force to said pull cord; and

wherein said first magnetic pad is integrated into said handle assistance device such that said handle assistance device and attached free end of said pull cord can be temporarily affixed by magnetic attraction to said ferrous surface.

2. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said pull cord has a cross-sectional profile that is essential round.

3. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said grasping handle has a profile aligned perpendicular to said pull cord.

4. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said cord retention element is a hole extending through said handle assistance device.

5. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said magnetic pad is a rare-earth magnet

6. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said handle assistance device further includes a second magnetic pad whereby said second magnetic pad and said first magnetic pad are on the same side of said handle assistance device.

7. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said handle assistance device further includes a second magnetic pad whereby said second magnetic pad and said first magnetic pad are on opposite sides of said handle assistance device.

8. A handle assistance device as in claim 1, wherein said handle assistance device further includes an attention garnering function.

9. A handle assistance device as in claim 8, wherein said attention garnering function is a visual alert.

10. A handle assistance device as in claim 8, wherein said attention garnering function is an auditory alert.

11. A method for using a handle assistance device, comprising;

a. A handle assistance device, comprising

i. a pull cord having an end affixed to an operable device and a free end which is engaged by an operator in order to use said operable device;

ii. a grasping handle;

iii. a cord retention element for receiving said free end of a pull cord;

iv. a first magnetic pad;

b. a ferrous surface;

wherein said handle assistance device is attached to said free end of said pull cord by said cord retention element;

wherein said grasping handle of said handle assistance device is configured for applying a pulling force to said pull cord; and

wherein said first magnetic pad is integrated into said handle assistance device such that said handle assistance device and attached free end of said pull cord can be temporarily affixed by magnetic attraction to said ferrous surface.

12. A method of using a handle assistance device as in claim 11, wherein said ferrous surface is an element of said operable device.

13. A method of using a handle assistance device as in claim 11, wherein said ferrous surface is a separate ferrous surface intended specifically to receive said handle assistance device.

14. A method of using a handle assistance device as in claim 11, wherein said handle assistance device further includes an attention garnering function.

15. A method of using a handle assistance device as in claim 14, wherein said attention garnering function is a visual alert.

16. A method of using a handle assistance device as in claim 14, wherein said attention garnering function is an auditory alert.