阅读说明：本技术 手柄组件和其再利用方法 (Handle assembly and method of recycling the same ) 是由 N·奥瓦迪亚斯 V·斯塔穆利斯 S·克里斯托菲德利斯 G·帕帕蒂斯 于 2020-05-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于毛发去除装置的手柄组件(20、220、520、820),其包括：手柄(40、240),其包含用于支撑毛发去除头的连接部分(42、242)和从其延伸的细长抓握部分(50,250)；至少一个第一附属部件(100A、300A、600A、900A),所述第一附属部件能从所述抓握部分拆卸；以及固持机构,所述固持机构的第一部分(170A、180A、480A、780A、1080A)能与所述固持机构的第二部分(70A、180B、480B、780B、1080B)啮合以阻止所述第一附属部件从所述抓握部分拆卸。一种用于所述手柄组件的再利用方法。(A handle assembly (20, 220, 520, 820) for a hair removal device, comprising: a handle (40, 240) comprising a connecting portion (42, 242) for supporting a hair removal head and an elongate gripping portion (50, 250) extending therefrom; at least one first accessory component (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) that is detachable from the grip portion; and a retention mechanism, a first portion (170A, 180A, 480A, 780A, 1080A) of the retention mechanism engageable with a second portion (70A, 180B, 480B, 780B, 1080B) of the retention mechanism to inhibit removal of the first accessory component from the grip portion. A method for reusing the handle assembly.)

1. A handle assembly (20, 220, 520, 820) for a hair removal device, comprising: a handle (40, 240) comprising a connecting portion (42, 242) for supporting a hair removal head and an elongate gripping portion (50, 250) extending therefrom; at least one first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) which is detachable from the grip portion (50; 250); and a holding mechanism, a first portion (170A, 180A, 480A, 780A, 1080A) of the holding mechanism engageable with a second portion (70A, 180B, 480B, 780B, 1080B) of the holding mechanism to inhibit removal of the first accessory component from the grip portion (50; 250), wherein the holding mechanism includes a first magnetic element (10, 11A, 11B) and a second magnetic element (12A, 12B, 22A, 22B) positioned relative to the first magnetic element when the holding mechanism is engaged such that the first and second magnetic elements cooperatively inhibit removal of the first accessory component from the grip portion (50; 250).

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) has a higher overall mass and/or a higher overall density than the grip portion (50; 250).

3. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grip portion (50; 250) comprises a first material and the first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) comprises a second material different from the first material.

4. The handle assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first accessory component (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) includes an outer surface (121A, 121B, 321A) contactable with an appendage of a user when the accessory component is assembled to the gripping portion, the outer surface including at least one of: a recess (126A) for receiving at least a portion of the appendage, a protrusion (124A, 124B) for engaging a recessed area of the appendage, and/or a gripping feature (122A, 122B).

5. The handle assembly of any of claims 1-4, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a press-fit or snap-fit engageable to resist removal of the first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) from the grip portion (50; 250).

6. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first magnetic element (10, 11A, 11B) comprises a first magnet.

7. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first magnetic element (10, 11A, 11B) is located in the first part (170A, 180A, 480A, 780A, 1080A) of the holding mechanism and the second magnetic element (12A, 12B, 22A, 22B) is located in the second part (70A, 180B, 480B, 780B, 1080B) of the holding mechanism, or vice versa.

8. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second magnetic element (12A, 12B, 22A, 22B) comprises a second magnet.

9. Handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the grip portion (50; 250) comprises a recess (74A) in which the first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) can be received.

10. Handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grip portion (50; 250) comprises a through hole (52, 252, 253).

11. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first accessory part (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A) comprises the first portion (170A, 180A, 480A, 780A, 1080A) of the retaining mechanism.

12. Handle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least one second accessory part (100B, 300B, 600B, 900B) detachable from the grip portion (50; 250).

13. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein the second accessory component (100B, 300B, 600B, 900B) is configured to be coupled to the first accessory component (100A, 300A, 600A, 900A).

14. The handle assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second accessory part (100B, 300B, 600B, 900B) comprises the second portion (180B, 480B, 780B, 1080B) of the holding mechanism.

15. A method of reusing the handle assembly (20, 220, 520, 820) of any of claims 1-14, comprising detaching at least one accessory part (100A, 100B, 300A, 300B, 600A, 600B, 900A, 900B) from a grip portion (50, 250) of a handle (40, 240) and subsequently reusing the grip portion and/or the accessory part.

Technical Field

The present application claims the benefit of european patent application EP19177434.8 filed on 29/5/2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to the field of skin care, and in particular to shaving. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a multi-piece handle assembly.

Background

When shaving with a razor, user comfort and ease of handling may depend on factors such as the weight and shape of the razor. Some known razors include a handle formed of several pieces assembled together, made of more than one material, which cannot be easily disassembled after the manufacturing process. Documents US20180043553 and US6749788 disclose such razors.

Disclosure of Invention

It may be desirable to provide a handle that is simple to use by itself in safely handling skin care heads, such as exfoliating and/or shaving heads, but which may also support one or more additional items that may be detachable therefrom and/or removably attached thereto. The handle and the additional item may form a handle assembly, wherein the additional item is detachable from the handle.

According to an example, a handle assembly may be provided. The handle assembly is for a hair removal device. The handle comprises a handle. The handle comprises a connecting portion for supporting the hair removal head and an elongated gripping portion extending therefrom. The handle assembly includes at least one first accessory component. The first accessory part is detachable from the grip portion. The handle assembly includes a retaining mechanism. The first portion of the retention mechanism is engageable with the second portion of the retention mechanism to inhibit removal of the first accessory member from the grip portion.

The retention mechanism includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element positioned relative to the first magnetic element when the retention mechanism is engaged such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element cooperatively resist removal of the first accessory component from the grip portion.

The first appendage may have a higher overall mass and/or a higher overall density than the grip portion.

The grip portion may comprise a first material. The first appendage may include a second material different from the first material.

The first accessory component may include an outer surface. The outer surface may contact an appendage of a user when the appendage is assembled to the grip portion. The outer surface may comprise at least one of: a recess for receiving at least a portion of an appendage, a protrusion for engaging a recessed area of an appendage, and/or a gripping feature. An appendage is, for example, a palm of a user's hand or a finger of a user, or any other part of a user's body that manipulates a handle.

The retention mechanism may include a press fit engageable to resist removal of the first accessory member from the grip portion.

The retention mechanism may include a snap fit engageable to resist removal of the first accessory member from the grip portion.

The first magnetic element may comprise a first magnet. The first magnetic element may be located in a first portion of the holding mechanism and the second magnetic element may be located in a second portion of the holding mechanism, or vice versa.

The second magnetic element may comprise a second magnet.

The grip portion may include a recess in which the first accessory member may be received.

The grip portion may include a through hole at the groove.

The first accessory member may include a first portion of a retaining mechanism.

The handle assembly may include at least one second accessory component. The second accessory part is detachable from the grip portion.

The second accessory component may be configured to be coupled to the first accessory component.

The second accessory component may include a second portion of the retention mechanism.

The handle assembly as described herein may provide enhanced customization options for a user because the handle may be suitable for use as a razor handle even when the accessory component is detached therefrom. The user can easily use different accessory parts to, for example, increase/decrease the weight of the handle assembly or replace accessory parts to select different accessory parts that may incorporate different exterior surfaces, thereby changing the user's touch experience. In addition, the handle assembly as disclosed herein may be easily reused since one or more accessory components may be separated from the handle.

According to an example, a method for reuse of a handle as disclosed herein may be provided. The method of reusing includes detaching at least one accessory component from the grip portion of the handle and subsequently reusing the grip portion and/or accessory component.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may include reusing the grip portion according to a first reuse method, and reusing the accessory part according to a second reuse method different from the first reuse method.

According to an example, there may be provided a kit comprising a handle assembly substantially as disclosed herein and a plurality of accessory components substantially as disclosed herein. The plurality of accessory components may comprise different materials or the same material. This provides the user with customization options and a more personalized product.

Drawings

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A shows an exemplary shaver including a handle assembly.

Fig. 1B shows an exemplary exploded view of a shaver including a handle assembly.

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary exploded view of a shaver including a handle assembly.

Fig. 3 shows an exemplary exploded view of a shaver including a handle assembly.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary exploded view of a shaver including a handle assembly.

While aspects of the disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The depicted illustrative aspects are intended to be exemplary only.

Fig. 1A shows a hair removal device, such as a razor, including a handle assembly 20 as described herein through which a user can manipulate the hair removal device.

The handle assembly 20 includes a handle 40. The handle 40 comprises a connecting portion 42 for supporting, for example, a hair removing head, for example a shaving head, such as a razor cartridge 44.

The handle assembly 20 includes at least a first attachment member 100A. For example, as seen in fig. 1A, the handle assembly 20 may include a first accessory part 100A and a second accessory part 100B.

At least one of the accessory parts may be assembled to the handle 40. For example, as seen in fig. 1A, both the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B may be assembled to the handle 40.

Additionally or alternatively, when multiple accessory components are present, two or more of the accessory components may be structurally similar to each other, unless possible cooperation with each other is required. For example, as seen in fig. 1B, the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B are substantially mirror images of each other, unless they are required to be coupled to each other. Thus, similar features on the first and second accessory parts share reference numerals and are distinguished from each other by the use of the letters a and B, respectively.

Coupling of the plurality of accessory components to one another may occur when and/or with at least two of the plurality of accessory components being assembled to the handle 40. For example, in fig. 1A, assembling both the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B to the handle 40 also couples the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B to each other. The first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B may have different surface textures and/or colors. Additionally, the hair-removing device may be provided in the form of a kit comprising a handle, a head and a plurality of accessory parts. The accessory unit may have different features that the user can use according to his/her desires.

The handle 40 includes an elongated gripping portion 50 extending from the connecting portion 42. The handle of the handle assembly as disclosed herein may be suitable for manipulating a hair-removing device even when the handle is not connected to any accessory part. Thus, a handle assembly as disclosed herein may provide a wide range of customization options.

The length of the gripping portion 50, in the absence of any accessory components assembled thereto, may be sufficient for safe handling by a human hand and may be sufficient for the hand to access its surroundings.

The grip portion 50 may, for example, have a length of 0.08 to 0.15m (80 to 150 mm). The length may be measured along a length axis L running between the connecting portion 42 of the handle 40 and a free end 51 of the grip portion 50, which is disposed relative to the connecting portion 42. The grip portion may have a width (as measured perpendicular to the length) of 0.006 to 0.025m (6 to 25 mm).

The at least one accessory component may be disposed laterally relative to the handle 40 or the grip portion 50 thereof. For example, as seen in fig. 1A, assembling the first and/or second accessory components 100A, 100B to the handle 40 or grip portion 50 may allow the handle assembly 20 to have a larger girth than the handle 40 alone.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one accessory component may be arranged to extend beyond the free end 51 of the grip portion 50. For example, as seen in fig. 1A, assembling the first and/or second accessory components 100A, 100B to the handle 40 or grip portion 50 may allow the handle assembly 20 to have a greater length than the handle 40 alone.

At least one of the accessory parts is detachable from the handle. For example, in FIG. 1B, the handle assembly 20 of FIG. 1A is shown with the first accessory part 100A detachable from the handle 40.

When there are a plurality of accessory parts, at least two of which are detachable from the handle. For example, in fig. 1B, both the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B are detachable from the handle 40.

In an example, when a plurality of accessory components are coupleable to one another, the plurality of accessory components can be uncoupled from one another when and/or with at least one of the plurality of accessory components being uncoupled from the handle. For example, in fig. 1B, detachment of the first accessory part 100A from the handle may also cause it to be uncoupled from the second accessory part 100B, and/or vice versa.

The handle assembly includes a retaining mechanism, wherein the first portion is engageable with the second portion to inhibit removal of the at least one accessory component from the handle or the grip portion thereof. For example, in fig. 1B, a first portion 170A is disposed on the first accessory member 100A and is engageable with a second portion 70A disposed on the grip portion 50 to prevent the first accessory member 100A from being removed from the handle 40.

When a plurality of accessory components are present, a first one of the plurality of accessory components may be equipped with a first portion of a first retaining mechanism corresponding to a second portion of the first retaining mechanism disposed on and engageable with the handle, and a second one of the plurality of accessory components may be equipped with a first portion of a second retaining mechanism corresponding to a second portion of the second retaining mechanism disposed on and engageable with the handle. For example, in fig. 1B, the second accessory member 100B and the grip portion 50 are provided with a first portion 170B and a second portion 70B of a retaining mechanism, respectively, similar to the first portion 170A provided on the first accessory member 100A and the second portion 70A provided on the grip portion 50 engageable therewith.

Additionally or alternatively, when multiple accessory components can be coupled to one another, a retaining mechanism can be provided, preventing the accessory components from being uncoupled from one another. For example, in fig. 1B, a first portion 180A of a retaining mechanism is disposed on a first accessory member 100A and is engageable with a second portion 180B of a retaining mechanism disposed on a second accessory member 100B.

When the plurality of accessory components are each assembled to the handle and coupled to one another, preventing the accessory components from being uncoupled from one another can serve to prevent at least one of the accessory components from being disassembled from the handle. For example, as seen in fig. 1A-1B, detachment of the first accessory part 100A from the handle 40 (or detachment of the second accessory part 100B from the handle 40) may also cause the first and second accessory parts 100A, 100B to be uncoupled from one another. Thus, the retention mechanism that is engageable to prevent the first and second accessory members from being uncoupled from one another is also able to prevent the first and/or second accessory members from being detached from the handle, and this can be done in an example without any other coupling elements provided on the handle or on the grip portion of the handle.

As a non-limiting example, at least one first portion of a retention mechanism may include one or more female features and a corresponding second portion of the retention mechanism may include a corresponding number of male features, or vice versa. For example, in fig. 1B, the first accessory member 100A includes a female feature (groove 172A, similar to groove 172B seen on the second accessory member 100B), and the grip portion 50 includes a male feature (ridge 72A) that can be received in the female feature when the retention mechanism is engaged. Additionally or alternatively, as seen in fig. 1B, for example, the gripping portion 50 can include a female feature (groove 74A) and the first accessory member 100A can include a male feature (ridge 174A, similar to ridge 174B on the second accessory member 100B) that can be received in the female feature when the retaining mechanism is engaged. Furthermore, the first portion of the retaining mechanism may even comprise a mixture of female and male features, and the second portion of the retaining mechanism engageable therewith may comprise a corresponding mixture of male and female features. For example, in FIG. 1B, the first portion 170A of the retention mechanism includes a combination of a groove 172A (female) and a ridge 174A (male), two of which are more clearly represented as a groove 172B and a ridge 174B on the second accessory part 100B, and the second portion 70A of the retention mechanism includes a combination of a ridge 72A (male) and a groove 74A (female)

In fig. 1B, the first accessory member 100A includes one or more tabs 182A, 182'a and the second accessory member 100B includes a corresponding number of notches 183B, 183' B configured to receive the tabs therein when the retention mechanism is engaged. Although fig. 1B shows all of the projections 182A, 182'a disposed on the first portion 180A of the retention mechanism and all of the recesses 183B, 183' B disposed on the second portion 180B of the retention mechanism, it is also envisioned that a combination of one or more projections and one or more recesses are disposed on the first portion 180A of the retention mechanism and a corresponding combination is disposed on the second portion 180B of the retention mechanism. As seen in fig. 1B, when a plurality of tabs and recesses are provided, at least one tab and its corresponding recess may have a different size or shape than the other tabs and recesses, thereby providing a lock function between the first portion 180A and the second portion 180B of the retaining mechanism.

The use of one or more corresponding tabs and notches is not limited to being provided as a way of preventing the accessory components from being uncoupled from each other. Rather, it is foreseen as a variant to use these structures as an alternative to or in combination with corresponding ridges and grooves, and/or as an alternative to or in combination with corresponding grooves and ridges to prevent the at least one accessory part from being detached from the grip portion. Likewise, corresponding grooves and ridges and/or corresponding grooves and ridges may be used as an alternative to or in combination with corresponding projections and recesses to prevent accessory components from being uncoupled from one another. Furthermore, although corresponding grooves and ridges are shown in fig. 1B as being used in combination with corresponding grooves and ridges, as a non-limiting example, these corresponding features may be used independently of each other.

The retention mechanism may include a press fit and/or a snap fit engageable to resist removal of the at least one accessory component from the grip portion. For example, as seen in fig. 1B, engaging the retention mechanism may cause the ridges 74A, 74B to snap-fit and/or press-fit into the grooves 174A, 174B. Additionally or alternatively, engaging the retention mechanism may cause one or more projections 182A, 182'a to snap-fit and/or press-fit into, for example, corresponding recesses 183B, 183' B. Additionally or alternatively, engaging the retention mechanism may cause the ridges 174A, 174B to snap-fit and/or press-fit into, for example, the grooves 74A, 74B.

The holding mechanism comprises two or more magnetic elements, wherein a first magnetic element may comprise a first magnet, and wherein a second magnetic element is positioned relative to the first magnetic element when the holding mechanism is engaged such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element cooperatively prevent removal of the at least one accessory component from the handle or the grip portion thereof. As a non-limiting example, the first magnetic element may be disposed in a first portion of the retaining mechanism and the second magnetic element may be disposed in a second portion of the retaining mechanism that is engageable therewith, or vice versa.

For example, as seen in fig. 1B, the first magnetic element 10 may be disposed in the handle 40 or a grip portion 50 thereof. For example, the first accessory component 100A may include the second magnetic element 12A. The opposite is also contemplated. When the first accessory component 100A is assembled to the handle 40, the first and second magnetic elements 10 and 12A magnetically engage one another, allowing them to cooperatively resist disassembly of the first accessory component 100A from the handle 40 or the grip portion 50 thereof. According to an example, also represented in fig. 1B, the second accessory part 100B may also comprise a magnetic element 12B equivalent to the magnetic element provided on the first accessory part, so that the magnetic element 10 provided on the handle 40 cooperatively prevents the detachment of each of these accessory parts 100A, 100B from the handle 40 or grip portion 50.

As explained earlier, when a plurality of accessory members are coupled to each other, the holding mechanism that can be engaged to prevent the accessory members from being uncoupled from each other can also have the effect of preventing at least one of the accessory members from being detached from the handle. As seen in fig. 1B, the first accessory member 100A may include a first magnetic element 11A, and the second accessory member 100B may include a second magnetic element 22B engageable therewith to cooperatively prevent the first and second accessory members 100A, 100B from being decoupled from one another.

The retaining mechanism may comprise magnetic elements independent of whether it comprises male and female parts, or as seen in fig. 1B, the magnetic elements 10, 11A, 12B, 22B may be used in combination with male and female parts. For example, the magnetic elements 10, 12A arranged in the groove 74A of the handle and on the ridge 174A of the accessory part 100A may engage with each other, and the magnetic elements 11A, 22B arranged in at least one of the protrusions 180A and in at least one of the recesses 180B may engage with each other.

According to an example, the second magnetic element may comprise a second magnet. Alternatively, the second magnetic element may comprise only a magnetic material, such as iron, steel, cobalt, etc., or any other ferromagnetic material capable of generating a magnetic field having an opposite polarity to the first polarity in response to an applied magnetic field having the first polarity.

According to an example, the at least one accessory part may be made of a magnetic material. For example, the first accessory part (or the second accessory part, when present) may be made of a magnetic material. In this regard, the accessory component may be considered to be or include the second magnetic element.

The first and second magnetic elements may be prevented from being removed by magnetic attraction or repulsion, whether by removing the first accessory part (or the second accessory part, when present) from the handle or a grip portion thereof, or by preventing the first and second accessory parts from being decoupled from one another. For example, magnetic repulsion may be adapted to prevent disassembly when disassembly causes the first and second magnetic elements to communicate, while magnetic attraction may be adapted to prevent disassembly when disassembly does not cause the first and second magnetic elements to communicate.

For example, in the retention mechanism shown in fig. 1B for preventing the first and second accessory members 100A, 100B from being decoupled from one another, a magnetic field having a first polarity may be disposed at a free end of the projection 182A of the first portion 180A of the retention mechanism to extend toward the corresponding notch 183B of the second portion 180B of the retention mechanism. To resist disassembly by magnetic attraction when the retention mechanism is engaged, a magnetic field having an opposite polarity to the first polarity may be disposed at the closed end of the recess 183B to extend toward the protrusion 182A. When the free end of the protrusion 182A is inserted into the notch 183B, the magnetic field causes the first magnetic element 11A and the second magnetic element 22B to attract each other, and thus may prevent disassembly. Such a configuration may be suitable whether the second magnetic element 22B comprises only magnetic material or whether a second magnet is present (and arranged to generate a field having an opposite polarity).

To prevent disassembly by magnetic repulsion when the retaining means are engaged, the first magnetic element 11A may be positioned at the free end of the projection 182A such that the magnetic field it generates extends with a first polarity towards the fixed end of the projection 182A, and the second magnetic element 22B (which in this configuration includes a second magnet) may be positioned at the open end of the corresponding recess 183B and arranged to generate a field having the same polarity as the first polarity, extending towards the closed end. When the free end of the protrusion 182A is intermediate the open and closed ends of the recess 183B, the magnetic fields of the first and second magnetic elements 11A and 22B repel each other and thus can prevent decoupling.

The at least one accessory part may have a higher total mass and/or a higher total density than the handle, and/or it may have a higher total mass and/or a higher total density than the grip portion. For example, as seen in fig. 1B, the grip portion 50 may comprise a first material and the first accessory member 100A may comprise a second material different from the first material.

For example, the gripping portion 50 may comprise one or more of the following materials: M-ABS, MBS, polycarbonate, PET, copolyester, polypropylene (including reinforced polypropylene), ABS, HIPS, PC/ABS, PC/PET, polyacetal, PPE/PS, PLA compounds, polystyrene (GPPS), polyethylene, polyamide, pre-and post-consumer recycled plastic, which may be particularly suitable for molding. Additionally or alternatively, the grip portion may include thermoplastic filaments (e.g., ABS, PLA, nylon, PETG), thermoplastic powders (e.g., polyamide 12, polyamide 11), thermoset photopolymer resins (e.g., standard, ABS-like, PP-like, rubber-like, high temperature), or thermoset liquid resins (e.g., standard, ABS-like, PP-like, rubber-like, high temperature), which may be particularly suitable for additive manufacturing processes. For example, the first accessory component may comprise any of the materials listed with respect to the grip portion or one or more of the following materials, for example: M-ABS, MBS, polycarbonate, PET, copolyester, polypropylene, ABS, HIPS, PC/ABS, PC/PET, polyacetal, PPE/PS, thermoplastic filament (e.g., ABS, nylon), thermoplastic powder (e.g., polyamide 12, polyamide 11), thermosetting photopolymer resin (e.g., ABS-like, PP-like) or thermosetting liquid resin (e.g., ABS-like, PP-like). The first accessory part 100A may additionally or alternatively comprise a metal (e.g., Zamak, aluminum), which may be particularly suitable for molding; or titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chromium or nickel, which may be particularly suitable for use in additive manufacturing methods. For example, as explained earlier, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the first accessory component includes a magnetic element that may include a metallic material. The second accessory part 100B (when present) may be made of the same material as the first accessory part 100A or of a different material than the first accessory part 100A.

The at least one appendage may include an outer surface that may contact an appendage of a user when the appendage is assembled to the grip portion. For example, the outer surface may be in contact with a user's hand. In fig. 1B, for example, such surfaces 121A, 121B are present on both the first accessory part 100A and the second accessory part 100B.

The outer surface may provide one or more ergonomic features for the handle assembly. For example, the outer surface may provide at least one of: a gripping feature, a protrusion for engaging a recessed area of an appendage (e.g., a palm of a user), and a depression for receiving at least a portion of an appendage (e.g., a finger of a user). For example, the gripping features 122A, 122B are shown in fig. 1B.

The gripping features may provide a higher coefficient of friction against the user's skin than the remainder of the outer surface. Such a coefficient of friction may be provided, for example, by using a textured surface and/or a material such as rubber. The rubber may be, for example, an elastomeric or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. The rubber may have a hardness of approximately 15 to 70 shore a (shore a). Grip features may include, but are not limited to, silicone, natural rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, polyolefin based TPEs, Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) TPEs, Styrene Ethylene Butadiene Styrene (SEBS) TPEs, polyamide TPEs (e.g., Pebax), polyester TPEs, or polyurethane TPEs. Grip characteristics may include blends of one or more of these TPEs with other materials. Grip characteristics may include blends of many of these TPEs, possibly in combination with other substances.

According to examples of the present disclosure, the gripping feature may be provided in combination with at least one other ergonomic feature. For example, in fig. 1B, the gripping feature 122A of the first accessory part 100A is provided in combination with a protrusion 124A presented on the same outer surface 121A as one another. The same is also visible for the second accessory part 100B and the protrusion 124B. For example, protrusions 124A and/or 124B may engage with the palm of the user's hand.

As seen in fig. 1B, ergonomic features may be provided on the insert 119A that are received in the outer surface 121A of the first accessory part 100A. The same may additionally or alternatively apply to the second accessory part 100B (when present). The use of inserts 119A, 119B to provide ergonomic features may improve reusability, for example, by separating and handling object materials that are not convertible back to raw materials by common methods (as with, for example, metals and plastics) independently of one another.

According to an example, the grip portion 50 may include a through hole. The use of through holes may reduce the weight and/or material of the grip portion. As seen in fig. 1B, for example, the through-hole 52 may be disposed in the recess 74A.

Fig. 2 shows a handheld device that includes a variation 220 of the handle assembly 20 shown in fig. 1B.

Like the accessory components 100A, 100B shown in fig. 1B, at least one of the accessory components 300A, 300B shown in fig. 2 may have a higher overall mass and/or density than the handle 240 and/or the gripping portion 250 thereof. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the accessory components 300A, 300B shown in fig. 2 may comprise a different material than the grip portion 250.

As seen in fig. 2, at least one accessory component 300A, 300B may include a recess 126A disposed on an outer surface 321A of the accessory component. The recess is a non-limiting example of an ergonomic feature that is also compatible with a handle assembly substantially as presented in fig. 1B.

As shown in fig. 2, at least one gripping feature 122A may be provided in the handle assembly 220. For example, gripping features may be provided on one or more accessory components 300A, 300B of the handle assembly 220 as shown in fig. 2. Such gripping features may be used in combination with the recess 126A, or independently.

In fig. 2, for example, the ergonomic features are provided directly on the accessory components 300A, 300B, rather than on the insert as seen in fig. 1B. However, it is also contemplated to provide at least one insert for at least one accessory component of the handle assembly 220 illustrated in fig. 2. Generally, when the ergonomic feature is disposed directly on the outer surface of the accessory component, it is also possible to provide a plurality of ergonomic features (e.g., gripping features on protrusions or depressions).

While it is contemplated to provide the accessory components 100A, 100B attached to the handle 40 and/or coupled to one another about the handle 40, as seen in fig. 1B, it is also contemplated that the accessory components are coupled to one another by the handle. For example, as seen in fig. 2, a first accessory unit 300A is coupled to a second accessory unit 300B by a handle 240. To this end, as seen in fig. 2, the handle 240 may be provided with through holes 252, 253 through which the first and second accessory parts 300A, 300B can be coupled to each other. The through holes 252, 253 may be used to align and/or stabilize the attached accessory components, for example, by contacts within the through holes. Optionally, it is also contemplated that, although not shown in these figures, at least one of the accessory components may additionally be press-fit or snap-fit into its respective through-hole, thereby further inhibiting the accessory components from being removed from the handle.

In fig. 2, a holding mechanism is provided to prevent the first accessory member 300A and the second accessory member 300B from being decoupled from each other. For example, a first accessory component 300A may include a first portion 480A of a retaining mechanism and a second accessory component 300B that may be coupled with the first accessory component 100A may include a second portion 480B of a retaining mechanism, or vice versa.

At least one portion of the retaining mechanism may be disposed on a post extending from one of the accessory components toward another of the accessory components that may be coupled thereto. For example, as seen in fig. 2, a first portion 480A of the retaining mechanism is disposed on a post 490A extending from one of the first and second accessory members 300A, 300B (which are configured to be coupled to one another), and a second portion of the retaining mechanism 480B is disposed on the other of the first and second accessory members.

As a non-limiting example, as seen in fig. 2, the first accessory component 300A may include a post 490A extending toward the second accessory component 300B, and the second accessory component 300B may include a post 490B extending toward the first accessory component 300A, and the first and second portions 480A, 480B of the retaining mechanism may be disposed on these posts, respectively, or vice versa.

As seen in fig. 2, for example, the lengths of the posts 490A, 490B of the first and second accessory units 300A, 300B may be substantially equal to each other. However, it is also contemplated to provide posts of unequal lengths within a set of accessory components configured to be coupled to one another.

The first portion 480A of the retaining mechanism may include a ball 482A and the second portion 480B of the retaining mechanism may include a corresponding socket 483B into which the ball 482A may be snap-fit. As seen in fig. 2, the retaining mechanism may comprise a plurality of such balls and a corresponding number of such sockets. As seen in fig. 2, the free end of the post extending from the accessory part may carry at least one ball and/or socket thereon.

Although fig. 2 shows first portion 480A of the retaining mechanism as including only balls 482A and second portion 480B of the retaining mechanism as including only sockets 483B, it is also envisioned that first portion 480A of the retaining mechanism includes a combination of one or more balls and one or more sockets and second portion 480B of the retaining mechanism includes a corresponding number of sockets and balls.

At least one of the accessory parts may be provided as a plurality of bodies. For example, in fig. 2, the first accessory part 300A includes a first body 310A and a second body 360A.

As seen in fig. 2, the first body 310A may present a recess 126A and the second body 360A may present a protrusion 124A. It is also contemplated that although not shown, similar ergonomic features to one another exist for multiple bodies within a given accessory component.

The retaining portion of the mechanism provided on a given accessory component may be arranged on each of these bodies. For example, in fig. 2, the retaining mechanism arranges posts 490A, 492A, 494A extending from each of the first body 310A and the second body 360A bodies. Although the posts 490A, 492A, 494A extending from these bodies 310A, 360A are presented in fig. 2 as having lengths that are substantially equal to one another, it is also contemplated that at least the posts on the first body 310A have a different length than at least one post on the second body 360A.

As seen in fig. 2, the retaining mechanism may be arranged on a single post 490A extending from the first body 310A and on a plurality of posts 492A, 494A extending from the second body 360A. Although the first body 310A and the second body 360A are shown in fig. 2 as having a different number of posts, it is also contemplated that the bodies of a given accessory component have the same number of posts.

Although fig. 2 shows the plurality of posts 492A, 494A of a given body having lengths substantially equal to one another, it is also contemplated that the posts of a given body have lengths unequal to one another.

As seen in fig. 2, for example, the first body 310A of the accessory component can be disposed proximate the connecting portion 242 of the handle 240 and the second body 360A of the accessory component can be disposed proximate the free end 251 of the grip portion 250. An opposite configuration is also envisioned.

Although fig. 2 shows the bodies 310A, 360A of the first accessory component 300A as being arranged in series along the length axis L of the handle 240 or gripping portion 250 thereof, other arrangements are also envisioned, including, but not limited to, a circular and/or helical arrangement about the length axis L.

As seen in fig. 2, the grip portion 250 may include a first through hole 252 and a second through hole 253. The first body 310A of the first accessory part 300A may be coupled with the second accessory part 300B through the first through hole 252, and the second body 360A of the first accessory part 300A may be coupled with the second accessory part 300B through the second through hole 253, or vice versa. At least one of these through holes may help align and/or stabilize the corresponding body therein, for example, by the contact between the body and the through hole.

As seen in fig. 2, the second accessory part 300B may also include a plurality of main bodies 310B, 360B. When both the first accessory component 300A and the second accessory component 300B include a plurality of bodies 310A, 360A, 310B, 360B, at least one body 310B, 360B of the second accessory component 300B may be stabilized and/or aligned by way of the through-holes 252, 253 by which the second accessory component may be coupled to the first accessory component 300A. When one or more ergonomic features are provided on at least one body of the second accessory component 300B, the ergonomic features may be selected independently of any ergonomic features that may be provided on the first accessory component 300A.

While fig. 2 shows the second accessory component 300B (coupleable with the first accessory component 300A) as including a corresponding plurality of bodies 310B, 360B that are each similar to the bodies 310A, 310B of the first accessory component 300A, it is also contemplated that the accessory component includes a plurality of bodies that can be coupled with a single-piece accessory component. Furthermore, it is also foreseen that when the second accessory part comprises a plurality of bodies, these bodies are different from the bodies of the first accessory part.

Fig. 3 shows a handheld device that includes a variation 520 of the handle assembly 220 shown in fig. 2. To prevent the first and second accessory components 600A, 600B from being decoupled from one another, the first and second portions 780A, 780B of the retaining mechanism include first and second magnetic elements 11A, 22B, respectively, or vice versa. When the first and second accessory components 600A, 600B are assembled to the handle 240, the first and second portions 780A, 780B of the retaining mechanism (and the correspondingly included magnetic elements 11A, 22B) are sufficiently proximate to one another such that their corresponding magnetic elements magnetically engage one another, thereby coupling the first and second accessory components to one another. This magnetic engagement causes the first and second portions 780A, 780B of the retaining mechanism to cooperatively prevent the first and second accessory members 600A, 600B from being uncoupled from one another.

As seen in fig. 3, the first and second magnetic elements 11A and 22B may be arranged in a substantially similar manner as the ball 482A and socket 483B illustrated in fig. 2. For example, at least one of the first and second magnetic elements may be disposed at a free end of a post extending from the first accessory component toward the second accessory component. As seen in fig. 3, the first and second magnetic elements 11A, 22B may be disposed at free ends of corresponding posts 790A, 790B, 792A, 792B, 794A, 794B extending from the first and second accessory parts 600A, 600B, respectively, or vice versa.

As seen in fig. 3, the posts 790A, 790B, 792A, 792B, 794A, 794B may have a length sufficient to bring the first magnetic element 11A into contact with the second accessory part 600B. As a non-limiting example, the first magnetic element 11A may directly contact the second magnetic element 22B.

However, it is also foreseen to magnetically engage at least one first magnetic element 11A with a corresponding second magnetic element 22B without directly contacting said second magnetic element. For example, the post may be arranged between the first magnetic element 11A and the second magnetic element 22B.

Furthermore, it is also foreseen to magnetically engage at least one first magnetic element 11A with a corresponding second magnetic element 22B without direct contact between the first accessory part 600A and the second accessory part 600B. For example, the posts 790A, 790B, 792A, 792B, 794A, 794B may not be long enough for contact between the first accessory component 600A and the second accessory component 600B, or even may not be present.

When the accessory part comprises a plurality of bodies, part of the retaining mechanism provided on the body of the accessory part may be provided on each of these bodies. For example, magnetic elements may be disposed on each of the bodies 610A, 660A of the first accessory component 600A, and these magnetic elements are capable of magnetically engaging with one or more magnetic elements disposed on the second accessory component 600B.

As seen in fig. 3, for example, the first bodies 610A, 610B of the first and second accessory parts 600A, 600B are provided with a pair of magnetic elements, wherein at least the first magnetic element 11A comprises a magnet. As a non-limiting example, the pair of first and second magnetic elements 11A, 22B may be disposed in respective free ends of a post 790A, 790B extending from the first body 610A, 610B of either accessory component 600A, 600B.

According to an example, and independently of the way in which the first bodies 610A, 610B are coupled to each other, the second bodies 660A, 660B of the first and second accessory parts 600A, 600B may be provided with a pair of magnetic elements 11A, 22B in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the first bodies 610A, 610B.

As seen in fig. 3, for example, the second bodies 660A, 660B of the first and second accessory parts 600A, 600B may be provided with four magnetic elements 11A, 22B, 11B, 22A that are engageable with each other, each pair having at least one magnet.

Fig. 4 shows a handheld device that includes a variation 820 of the handle assembly 220 shown in fig. 2. To prevent the first and second accessory components 900A, 900B from being decoupled from one another, the first and second portions 1080A, 1080B of the retaining mechanism include a rod 1082A and a cavity 1083B, respectively, or vice versa. The stem may be press fit into the cavity. As seen in fig. 4, the stem and cavity may be arranged in a similar manner to the ball and socket discussed with respect to fig. 2.

As seen in fig. 4, at least one accessory part 900A, 900B may be provided with a weighting element. For example, in fig. 4, the second accessory part 900B includes a post 1090B around which the weighting element 5 is arranged.

The weighted element 5 may be removably attached to an accessory component, which may allow a user to reposition the weighted element 5 relative to the remainder of the handle assembly 820. For example, in fig. 4, a user may be able to transfer the weighted element 5 from the first body 910B of the second accessory part 900B to the first body 910A of the first accessory part 900A, and/or to the second body 960B of the second accessory part 900B and/or to the second body 960A of the first accessory part 900A. In this manner, the user may be able to reposition the center of mass of the handle assembly 820. As a non-limiting example, the weighting element 5 shown in fig. 4 may be used with any of the variants shown in fig. 2-4. As a non-limiting example, the handle assembly shown in fig. 1A-1B may be provided with weighting elements having different forms, such as in the form of one or more weighting inserts.

Although not shown in the figures, the retaining mechanism may include a mixture of pairs of balls and sockets, rods and cavities, and first and second magnetic elements.

Although the figures show an odd number of accessory parts, an odd number of accessory parts is also contemplated. Further, while these figures show a plurality of accessory components cooperating with one another (e.g., by being coupled to one another), it is also contemplated to provide at least one accessory component that is not coupled to another accessory component. In the example shown, the accessory components are provided to the side portions of the grip portion, i.e., those portions of the grip portion that lead to the left or right of the hand holding the grip portion in the normal use orientation. Additionally or alternatively, an accessory component may be attached to the back portion of the grip portion, such as to provide a longer handle length for a handle assembly (not shown). The back portion is a portion of the grip portion that is directed to the palm holding the grip portion in the normal use orientation. Such an attachment member providing a longer handle length may extend beyond the upper end and/or the lower end of the grip portion, which is the end provided with the attachment portion 42 or 242.

The handle assembly as disclosed herein can be easily reused since one or more accessory components can be separated from the handle.

For example, a handle assembly as disclosed herein may be reused by detaching at least one accessory component from the handle or a gripping portion thereof. The accessory component may then be reused according to techniques appropriate to the constituent materials of the accessory component. As a non-limiting example, one or more metal recycling techniques, such as one or more ferrous metal recycling techniques, may be used to recycle the accessory component.

Additionally or alternatively, the handle or grip portion thereof may be reused after removal of the accessory component(s) therefrom, according to techniques applicable to the constituent materials of the handle or grip portion. For example, one or more plastic recycling techniques may be used. For example, when the handle or grip portion is made of ABS, the ABS may be converted to fuel oil using plastic pyrolysis techniques.

Further, unlike known multi-piece handle assemblies, the handle assembly as disclosed herein allows a user to replace one or more items of the handle assembly while preserving the remainder thereof for reuse with the replacement item. For example, a user may need to replace an old handle with a new handle and save one or more accessory components for reuse with the new handle. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a user may need to replace one or more old accessory parts with one or more new accessory parts and save the handle for reuse with the one or more new accessory parts.

While the embodiments are provided as different exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined or that features recited in the embodiments may be interchanged when not conflicting. Furthermore, the features recited in the described embodiments are not inseparably associated with each other, unless such a connection between two given features is explicitly indicated.

Throughout the specification including the claims, the terms "comprising a" and "an" should be understood as being synonymous with "including at least one" unless specified otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, any range recited in this specification, including claims, is to be understood as encompassing the endpoints thereof. Specific values for the elements described are to be understood as being within acceptable manufacturing or industry tolerances as known to those skilled in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" is to be understood as being within such acceptable tolerances.

Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.