Jeffery C Christensen

US Patent:

6609274, Aug 26, 2003

Filed:

Dec 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/014903

Inventors:

Jeffery C. Christensen - Galesburg IL
Robert A. Christenson - Wataga IL
Graham Carter Stevens - Arlington MA

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

E05B 100

US Classification:

16412, 16436, 16444, 16DIG 41, 312405

Abstract:

A refrigerator handle assembly includes a main handle member, upper and lower extensions, and a base member. The main handle member is formed with an elongated upper cleat over which the upper extension snaps, an intermediate gripping portion, and a lower connecting portion including a cantilevered finger beneath which the base member extends. Each of the upper and lower portions of the main handle member is formed with slots which receive projections provided on the upper and lower extensions respectively. Detents provided on the upper and lower extensions are received beneath respective portions of the cleat and the base member in order to snap-fittingly interconnect the upper and lower extensions. The lower extension actually extends around both the terminal end of the main handle member and the base, while the upper extension extends about the elongated cleat. A tab formed on the cleat projects through a cut-out formed in the second extension.