Don't Underestimate The Importance of The Knob

A handle is defined as an object that can be moved or used by hand. The design of each type of handle involves ergonomic issues.

The three nearly universal requirements of are:

1. Strength to support the object
2. Sufficient length to permit the hand to exert that force.
3. Enough room to permit the hand to grip

There are many other versions of handles out there. However, they form to main groups: pull handles and twist handles. An example of a pull handle is on a drawer. An example of a twist handles is a door knob. These knobs are usually made out of metal and wood. These materials are used because they are inexpensive and durable.

A door handle is used to open or close a door. The first patent for a door knob was in 1878 and awarded to Osbourn Dorsey.

Usuallay a door knob is an inch or so away from the edge of the door to the exact center of the door. The distance from the edge of the door to the middle of the handle is called the backset. Doorknobs can be difficult for the young and elderly to use (if a person lacks a firm grip).

For this reason door handles in many commercial/industrial buildings and in many houses use a lever, rather than a doorknob, as the lever does not require a good grip. Levers are also used on doors with narrow widths where the remainder backset leaves little space to turn a doorknob.