Grip component for a hand tool
US11110585B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2019 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/463
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hand tool comprising a head portion, a shaft, and a grip component is provided. The grip component and the shaft form a handle of the hand tool. The grip component is a reverse-molded component formed by: forming the external portion of the grip component by molding a first thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material or thermoplastic urethane (TPU) material into a shell that surrounds a first cavity; after forming the external portion; placing the shaft into the first cavity; and, after the external portion is formed and the shaft is placed into the first cavity, forming the inner portion of the grip component by injecting a second TPE material or TPU material into the first cavity and onto the shaft. The first TPE or TPU material has a first level of hardness, and the second TPE or TPU material has a second level of hardness lower than the first level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.