Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Handle – handle component – or handle adjunct – Extensible handle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-08
2003-04-15
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3676)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct
Extensible handle
C016S113100, C016S436000, C016SDIG002, C016SDIG004, C403S341000, C403S341000, C403S013000, C015S143100, C015S144400, C015SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06546596
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to extension devices and handles, and more particularly to a telescoping extension pole for painting, cleaning, and other tools as desired. The present extension pole includes a tubular base pole and extension, with the extension tube having a longitudinal keyway or channel formed therein. The base tube includes a guide tab which engages the channel of the extension, for maintaining axial alignment of the two tubes. Different tools may be interchangeably installed upon the distal end of the extension element.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is often necessary to access high or hard to reach locations when painting, cleaning, or performing various other maintenance chores. Workers often use stepladders, chairs, or other convenient articles to stand on for access to higher, difficult to reach areas. However, many of these devices are not particularly safe for such use, and while many ladders have been constructed specifically for the purpose and which are relatively safe for use, it is necessary to step down, reposition the ladder or other support, and again climb up the ladder or support, every few feet during the course of the job.
A popular response to the above problem has been the development of the extension pole. Many variations of such poles have been developed, with those most closely related to the present invention and known to the present inventors being discussed further below. All of the extensions known to the present inventors have various drawbacks, such as a lack of positive locking of the extended length of the two extension elements; lack of rigidity of the extension device, particularly when extended; and lack of versatility for the interchangeable attachment of various different types of tools and devices to the extension.
Accordingly, the present invention responds to these prior art deficiencies by providing an extension with a positive lock between the two telescoping sections of the device. The distal end of the extension also includes a standard threaded fitting for the interchangeable installation of a large number of different tools and accessories thereon, and may include an internally threaded socket in the end of the fitting for even greater versatility. The present extension also provides greater rigidity than most devices of the prior art, with the heavier walled tube of the extension portion having relatively high stiffness compared to many other such devices. The extension keyway or channel and mating guide tab of the base pole assure that a tool secured to the distal extension end is held in the desired orientation at all times.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventors are aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,134,301 issued on Oct. 25, 1938 to Carl F. Guggenbuehler, titled “Universal Utility Extension Mop,” describes an extension handle having a solid cylindrical base portion with a pair of opposed external longitudinal slots formed therein. A corresponding pair of wire rods slides longitudinally in the slots, and are retained therein by a collar at the distal end of the base cylinder and another collar secured to the proximal ends of the wire rods, which slides along the base cylinder. The only point of commonality between this device and the present invention, is the use of a pull release locking pin by Guggenbuehler. Otherwise, the Guggenbuehler device teaches away from the present invention, in that: (a) the distal rods pass along the outside of the solid cylinder, whereas the extension tube of the present device passes inside the tubular base portion; (b) the locking arrangement is affixed to the distal rod portion, rather than to the distal end of the base handle portion, where it always remains in the same position relative to the user holding the base handle; (c) the wire rod extension configuration of the Guggenbuehler device is purposely constructed for flexibility in order to reach beneath furniture for dusting (col. 1, lines 5-9), whereas the present device is constructed to provide a relatively rigid configuration, even when extended; and (d) the wire rod and end clamp arrangement of the Guggenbuehler device, precludes threaded attachment of a tool thereto, whereas the present invention utilizes a universal Acme threaded end for interchangeable installation of a variety of tools and devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,595,597 issued on May 6, 1952 to Richard H. Morseth, titled “Telescoping Handle,” describes a handle for a dip net, with the net frame comprising a wire bow with its ends secured to the distal extension portion of the device. No means is provided for the interchangeable, threaded attachment of different devices to the distal extension portion of the Morseth net assembly. Moreover, Morseth does not provide any means for locking the extension of his handle at any specific length, whereas the present invention includes locking means for the assembly. Also, Morseth prevents relative axial rotation of the two components by a hexagonal fitting on the end of the internally telescoping component, with the flats of the hexagonal fitting engaging a series of inwardly disposed protuberances at the distal end of the handle portion of the device. Thus, relative radial rotation of the two telescoping components is only precluded at their maximum extended length, whereas the telescoping components of the present invention are precluded from relative axial rotation at any range or point of extension.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,243,837 issued on Apr. 5, 1966 to Joseph D. Smith, titled “Retractable Handle Assembly,” describes a relatively complex pushbutton controlled handle. The Smith device includes means for locking it in either an extended or retracted position, whereas the present pull release lock is always urged to an extended position to engage one of the holes in the extension component. In any event, Smith does not disclose any form of telescoping components or tool extensions with his handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,575 issued. on Oct. 17, 1967 to Lowell H. Morris, titled “Detent Guide For Telescopic Tube Units,” describes an assembly using two concentric tubes. The locking detent is installed within the inner tube, rather than to the outside of the outer tube, as in the present invention. This results in the same drawback as noted further above in the Guggenbuehler '301 U.S. patent, in that the release button is variably positioned relative to the base handle which is being held by the person using the device. Every extension length, results in the release button being positioned at some different point along the length of the base tube. The present invention has the locking control disposed to the outside of the base tube being held by the person using the device, so the lock is always in the same relative location.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,380,097 issued on Apr. 30, 1968 to John A. Pharris, titled “Extension Handle For Paint Roller,” describes a device having two concentric tubes for the primary structure. However, Pharris uses a concentric collet lock to secure the relative positions of the two tubes, rather than the positive lock pin of the present invention. The concentric collet locking means of the Pharris extension handle, does not provide the positive locking means of the transverse locking pin used in the present invention; such collet type clamping locks often slip when tension or compression is applied along the length of the handle.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,424 issued on Oct. 29, 1968 to Otto R. Lanzarone et al., titled “Adjustable, Extensible, Telescopic And Collapsible Handle For Attachment To Household Cleaning Devices,” describes a handle having a series of concentric tubes, with the larger diameter tube located at the accessory attachment end, rather than at the manipulating end. This configuration is essentially the reverse of that of the present invention, with its smaller tube disposed inside the larger diameter tubular portion which is held by th
Grote Cynthia L.
Grote Rick V.
Bannapradist Lisa
Knight Anthony
Litman Richard C.
LandOfFree
Extension pole for tools does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Extension pole for tools, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extension pole for tools will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3113353