HANDLE WITH DOCKING STATION

• US 20100154172A1
• Filed: 12/22/2008
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: MCCOY, RICHARD A.
• Application Number:
  US12/341,042
• Publication Number:
  US 20100154172A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/412
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 95/02 Handles similar handles for doors in general E05B1/0015
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/00 Knobs or handles for wings; Knobs, handles, or press buttons for locks or latches on wings E05B5/00, E05B7/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 1/0084 Handles or knobs with displays, signs, labels pictures, or the like displays on locks E05B17/226; displays on keys E05B19/0088
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0083 Sound emitting devices, e.g. loudspeakers
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 15/024 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 7/082 on ranges, e.g. control panels, illumination
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/028 Details
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53 Means to assemble or disassemble

Abstract

A structure, such as an appliance, has at least one handle that is operable to open a closure. The handle on the appliance is replaced with a retrofit handle having a docking station associated therewith. A consumer electronic device (CED) is docked with the docking station for providing a service to a consumer. The retrofit handle receives power or data from an external service and the retrofit handle in turn is operable to deliver the power or data to the CED.

Claims

1. A handle for an appliance, the handle comprising:

a first portion attachable to an appliance; and

a second portion including a docking station.

2. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a power adapter.

3. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rectifier.

4. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a power converter.

5. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a proximity interface for delivering electric service to the first portion.

6. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one of a battery operable to provide power to said second portion and an interface for communicating power with a battery for providing power to said second portion.

7. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion is a hand grip.

8. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion includes a power source.

9. The handle of claim 1 wherein the docking station includes an first interface for coupling to a CED.

10. The handle of claim 1 further comprising a transmission pathway operably connected to the first interface and configured to communicate at least one of power and data with the interface.

11. The handle of claim 1 further comprising a second interface operably connected to the transmission pathway wherein the second interface is configured to receive at least one of power and data from a source.

12. A handle for a member that covers an enclosure opening, the handle comprising:

a hand portion connected to an enclosure opening;

a pathway for transmitting at least one of data and power within said hand portion; and

a device operable to receive at least one of data and power from said pathway.

13. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device is a consumer electronic device.

14. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device is an adapter for receiving a consumer electronic component.

15. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said data transmission pathway is at least one wire for transporting an electrical signal.

16. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device includes a connector for receiving a consumer electronic device.

17. The handle as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a proximity device operable to deliver an electrical signal to said hand portion.

18. The handle as claimed in claim 12, further comprising an electrical service in communication with said hand portion.

19. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device includes a receiver, said receiver is operable to deliver data to said data transmission pathway.

20. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device includes a display screen for displaying images.

21. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein said device includes at least one of an audio output jack, an audio input jack, and a speaker.

22. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the handle further comprises at least one coupling point for attaching the handle to the member.

23. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the transmission pathway is configured for audio and video transmission.

24. The handle as claimed in claim 12, further comprising an interface for connecting the transmission pathway to a source of transmission signal.

25. The handle as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a holder portion for holding the device wherein when the device is engaged with the holder, the device can receive at least one of data and power from the pathway.

26. An appliance comprising:

a front door having a surface;

a hand member connected to the front door;

a power source in communication with the hand member; and

an interface in communication with the hand member, the interface operable to receive a device that provides information to a consumer.

27. The appliance as claimed in claim 26, wherein the device includes a connector, said device can be removed from said interface and repositioned back within said interface, said device receives power from said power source.

28. The appliance as claimed in claim 26, wherein said device is at least one of an audio and video device.

29. The appliance as claimed in claim 26, wherein said power source is within said hand member.

30. A kit for replacing a handle for an appliance with a new handle having new functionality associated with an electronic device, the kit comprising:

a new handle having a first portion attachable to an appliance, and a second portion including a docking station for an electronic device; and

instructions for installing the new handle onto the appliance.