REPLACEMENT HANDLE WITH POWER SUPPLY

• US 20100154173A1
• 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: KNIGHT, JOHN M., MCCOY, RICHARD A.
• Application Number:
  US12/341,217
• Publication Number:
  US 20100154173A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 16/412
• 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 1/0015 Knobs or handles which do not operate the bolt or lock, e.g. non-movable; Mounting thereof
• 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 17/22 Means for operating or controlling lock or fastening device accessories, i.e. other than the fastening members, e.g. switches, indicators E05B39/00 - E05B45/00 take precedence

Abstract

A handle for a closure can be replaced with a new handle having a power supply. The replacement handle can be for an appliance, a drawer, a door, a cabinet or the like. An interface may communicate with the power supply so as to provide power to a consumer electronic device. Power is provided to the replacement handle by an external source.

Claims

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

a member connected to a surface of an appliance; and

an electrical source within said member for providing power to an external device.

2. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a proximity device operable to provide power to said member.

3. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a docking station associated with said member.

4. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an electrical service operable to provide power to said handle.

5. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical source is a battery.

6. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said external device is a consumer electronic device.

7. The handle for an appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said member includes a proximity device operable to deliver power to said electrical source within said member.

8. A replacement handle for an enclosure device, the replacement handle comprising:

a hand grip portion;

a power distribution device associated with said hand grip portion; and

a power using device receiving power from said power distribution device.

9. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said power using device is a consumer electronic device.

10. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said power distribution device includes a proximity device for delivering power to said hand grip from an external source.

11. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said power using device is detachable from said handle.

12. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said hand grip portion is connected to an enclosure device.

13. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said power distribution device is a battery.

14. The replacement handle for an enclosure device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a proximity interface for receiving electrical service to the power distribution device.

15. A handle for a closure member, the handle comprising:

a first portion attachable to a closure member; and

a second portion including an electrical interface.

16. The handle for a closure member as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a consumer electronic device operable to engage said electrical interface.

17. The handle for a closure member as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an electrical service providing power to said electrical interface.

18. The handle for a closure member as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a docking station at one of said portions.

19. The handle for a closure member as claimed in claim 15, wherein said closure member is one of a door and drawer.

20. The handle for a closure member as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first and second portions are replacement components that replace an existing handle on said closure member.

21. A handle for a closure member, the handle comprising:

a first portion attachable to a closure member; and

a second portion including a mechanical enclosure for holding a component having a user functionality.

22. The handle of claim 21 wherein the mechanical enclosure is configured to enclose at least a portion of the component having a user functionality.

23. The handle of claim 22 wherein the mechanical enclosure is configured to enclose one of a display screen, a user interface, a music device, video game component, a speaker, a device capable of network communication, a picture, a camera, a phone, and a device capable to render an image.

24. The handle of claim 22 wherein the mechanical enclosure is configured to hold one of a display screen, a user interface, a music device, video game component, a speaker, a device capable of network communication, a picture, a camera, a phone, and a device capable to render an image.