Handle with insert

Abstract

A handle for an appliance and a method of securing the handle to an appliance includes a handle having a hollow end. The handle further includes an insert having a fastener receiving portion. The insert is placed within the hollow end and secured to the appliance with a fastener.

1 . A handle assembly for an appliance, comprising:
 a curved handle having an end, the end including a sidewall defining an opening and a cavity within the end; and   an insert disposed through the opening and within the cavity, the insert including a fastener receiving portion adjacent the opening and a cam surface extending along the sidewall inside the cavity so that when the handle assembly is fastened to an appliance with a fastener that engages the fastener receiving portion, the cam surface secures the portion of the sidewall between the cam surface and the appliance.   
   
   
       2 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the curved handle has a second end, the second end including a sidewall defining an opening and a cavity within the second end, and an insert disposed through the opening and within the cavity of the second end, the insert including a fastener receiving portion adjacent the opening and a cam surface extending along the sidewall inside the cavity so that when the handle assembly is fastened to an appliance with a fastener that engages the fastener receiving portion, the cam surface secures the portion of the sidewall between the cam surface and the appliance. 
   
   
       3 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a bottom surface for engaging the appliance, the fastener receiving portion being disposed in the bottom surface. 
   
   
       4 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , further including a fastener for securing the fastener receiving portion to the appliance. 
   
   
       5 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert substantially fills the cavity. 
   
   
       6 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener receiving portion is a shank. 
   
   
       7 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener receiving portion is a blind bore. 
   
   
       8 . The handle assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is comprised of a glass filled polypropylene. 
   
   
       9 . A handle assembly for an appliance, comprising:
 a curved handle having a hollow first end and a hollow second end, each end including a sidewall terminating at an edge defining an opening lying in an imaginary plane, wherein the imaginary planes intersect at a line until the handle is secured to an appliance;   a first insert disposed within the hollow first end and a second insert disposed within the hollow second end, the first insert and the second insert each including:
 a fastener receiving portion; and 
 a side surface conforming to the interior of the hollow end and extending along a portion of the sidewall so that when the handle assembly is secured to the appliance, the side surface captures the portion of the sidewall between the side surface and the appliance. 
   
   
   
       10 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein each insert includes a bottom surface and the side surface of the insert tilts the bottom surface with respect to the opening defined by the respective edge. 
   
   
       11 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein the fastener receiving portion is a shank. 
   
   
       12 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein the fastener receiving portion is a blind bore. 
   
   
       13 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein fastener receiving portion is threaded to receive a threaded fastener. 
   
   
       14 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein the first insert and the sidewall of the first insert each contain a hole aligned with each other to receive a fastener within the fastener receiving portion of the first insert. 
   
   
       15 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein the first insert and the second insert are comprised of a glass filled polypropylene. 
   
   
       16 . The handle of  claim 9 , wherein the imaginary planes become coplanar when both ends of the handle are secured to an appliance surface. 
   
   
       17 . A method of securing a handle to an appliance wherein the handle includes a hollow end defined by a sidewall with the sidewall terminating at an edge defining an opening, the edge having an outer portion and an inner portion, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. placing an insert through the opening and within the hollow end of the handle;   b. placing the outer portion of the edge of the handle against an appliance surface;   c. securing a fastener to the insert; and   d. capturing the sidewall between the insert and the appliance surface.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the securing step further comprises positioning the fastener so that the appliance surface is positioned between the insert and at least a portion of the fastener. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the insert includes a generally flat bottom surface and the securing step further comprises tightening the fastener to pull the bottom surface flush against the appliance surface. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the insert forces the inner portion of the edge from a position spaced away from the appliance surface into contact with the appliance surface.