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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 753,871, filed Dec. 23, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to an innovative handle construction, that can be used on an implement or tool, such as for a toothbrush or razor. There are many different types of tools, implements and objects, such as razors and toothbrushes, that require fairly precise handling and yet both also benefit from having a soft feel for the user while handling. [0003] In the prior art, by way of example, there are various razors or toothbrushes that are made of rigid plastic or metal and are thus hard to the touch. There have also been many attempts to make razors and toothbrushes that are more comfortable for human contact, such as by the hands and fingers. The entire razor or toothbrush does not need to be soft; rather it is desirable for much of these handles to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention preserves the advantages of prior handles with cushioning elements therein. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available cushioned handle constructions and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available handle constructions.

[0008] The handle construction of the present invention includes a low durometer grip portion that provides comfort and an ergonomic benefit to the user. More specifically, the present invention relates to handles or any gripping surfaces or areas, such as for a toothbrush or razor, with a grip with both rigid areas and areas containing three-dimensional molded gel with a durometer of less than 65 shore 00. The grip areas with three dimensional molded low durometer gel also then have a thin top layer of elastomeric film of less than 4 thousandths of an inch in thickness (<4 mil) to provide a durable and aesthetic surface, or instead of the film they have an elastomeric polymer top-coating. The combination of the molded low durometer gel “medallions”, with an otherwise rigid grip, allows for the creation of a grip that has areas that are more rigid along with areas that exhibit a very soft feel. The thickness of the gel does not need to be uniform, but can be thicker in areas where such is advantageous or aesthetically pleasing to the user.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a superior handle construction that is soft to the touch to the user in the appropriate locations.

[0010] There is a further object of the present invention to provide a handle construction that incorporates three dimensional gel material for superior comfort and control for the user.

[0011] There is also an object of the present invention to provide a handle construction that complements a rigid core to combine comfort and control in the same handle.

Problems solved by technology

Because very low durometer gels are generally very sticky to the touch and have other undesirable surface characteristics, most of what are considered low durometer materials that are used in prior art razor and toothbrush handles are of a 50 shore A hardness or above.

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