The present invention, as stated in the title piece of this descriptive specification relates to a handle for cleaning utensils and similar, the purpose of which consists in providing a handle for elements such as brooms, mops, brushes, etc., which offers beneficial features in comparison with present handles insofar as strength, ergonomics, ecology and appearance are concerned.

As well as the cleaning utensils for which the handle of the invention is specifically implemented, it can be applied in general to any object that incorporates a handle.

A relevant background of the art is disclosed in document US4941232, regarding a slip-resistant, flexible, cushioning wrap for a handle comprising a laminate suitable for covering the handle. The laminate has a base layer of cushioning, non-absorbent closed-cell foam having an outer layer of washable, grip-enhancing, random and open-cell foam laminated to one side and having a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the other side. The laminate may be formed as a sheet or a tube. A sheet of laminate may be cut to conform to the contours of the handle and then wrapped about the handle with the edges either overlapping or abutting. A tube of laminate may also be formed to fit the contours of the handle.

Another related prior art is described in document DE19708712, which discloses a grip for handles of objects, especially of sports equipment. A tubular moulding made of elastically deformable material encloses the handle or parts of the handle. The outer surface of the moulding is roughened, and has a three-dimensional surface, and is coated with granulate stuck onto an adhesive layer. The moulding and or coating may be of any colour. The adhesive layer is produced by heating the inner surface of the moulding. The inner surface or parts of it have linings of any shape and size.

To achieve the objects indicated above, the invention consists of a handle for cleaning utensils and similar which has a base body preferentially formed by a metallic tube which provides the general shape of the handle.

To the surface of this base body is applied a first coat of adhesive. Next, over this coat of adhesive is incorporated a second layer of plastic material, preferably a polymer. In turn and finally, on the second layer mentioned is laid a third layer of plastic material, also preferably a polymer.

With this structure a handle is obtained with advantageous features over those existing on the market. Said advantageous features comprise:

• Perfect external finish and sheen, better than those of conventional painted handles.
• Totally resistant and for a practically unlimited period to any chemical cleaning product (even in its pure state or very highly concentrated). This means resistance to corrosion, and that no product among those employed for cleaning alters the appearance and the sheen of the surface of the handle of the invention.
• Padded sensation to the touch since its coats have a thickness greater than in conventional handles (300 micrometers (microns) versus 50 to 70 micrometers (microns) in conventional painting). This padded effect offers greater protection against impact. This greater thickness of the handle increases the diameter of the base body by more than one half millimetre and provides the sensation of padding to the touch.
• Possibility of making handles with variable adornments and profile, without limitation and without compromising the uniformity of the thickness.
• More ergonomic handle. The handle of the invention is very comfortable in the hand, it does not transmit a sensation of coldness and is less slippery. At the same time it gives a sensation of warmth.
• Ecological handle. With conventional painted handles, part of the costs are consumed by scrap and by power for heating, contributing to ecological problems. With the handle of the invention, ecological problems are overcome, both in the manufacture and in the use and recycling of the finished product. In the manufacture, there are no paints or thinners that endanger the environment, and in addition there is an absence of scrap. In use, no loss of paint occurs that can result harmful and create problems of hygiene. And in recycling, it is possible to recycle the metal of the base body so that in the pertinent smelting of said base body, the layers surrounding it are burned off without creating dangerous gases and providing heat for the recycling process.

Here below, to assist in a better understanding of this descriptive specification and forming an integral part thereof, a single drawing is attached in which in an illustrative and not restrictive manner, the object of the invention is shown.

Figure 1.- This single figure shows a perspective, partial and transversally cross-sectioned view of a handle for cleaning utensils and similar, implemented according to the present invention, an enlarged detail being included of the corresponding transversal section.

Hereunder a description is made of an example of the invention, making reference to the numbering scheme adopted for the figure.

Thus, the handle for cleaning utensils and similar of this example of embodiment has a base body 1 which in this case is a cylindrical and metallic tube.

On the external surface of the base body 1 is deposited a first layer 2 comprising an adhesive coating.

On the adhesive of this layer 2 is incorporated a second layer 3 which is of plastic material and which in the present example consists of a polymer.

On top of the second layer 3 is added a third layer 4 similar in thickness and nature to the previous layer 3, that is, this layer 4 is also of plastic material consisting of a polymer.

The joint thickness of these three layers 2, 3 and 4 is approximately 300 micrometers (microns).

With this structure the handle of the present example of embodiment offers all the advantageous features which are referred to under the heading "DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION" of the present specification.