Joints and connections – Thread adaptor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-30
2001-09-25
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Thread adaptor
C411S178000, C403S305000, C403S296000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293726
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates primarily to a device for attaching an elongated handle to a cleaning implement and, more particularly, to a device having both an externally threaded protuberance and an internally threaded socket for attaching an elongated handle to a cleaning implement provided with either one of a complementary internally threaded socket and a complementary externally threaded protuberance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A variety of cleaning implements are known in the art, including various types of brooms, mops, scrapers, squeegees, etc. In most cases, these cleaning implements are provided with some type of means for attaching an elongated handle thereto. For example, and as shown in
FIG. 1
, a broom head A is shown provided with an internally threaded socket B that is used for attaching an elongated handle C to the broom head. As shown in
FIG. 1
, one end of the elongated handle C is provided with an externally threaded protuberance D that is complementary to the internally threaded socket B of the broom head A. Thus, the elongated handle C can be attached to the broom head A by engaging its threaded protuberance D with the threaded socket B of the broom head.
Another means for attaching an elongated handle to a cleaning implement is shown in FIG.
2
. In this example, a mop head E is shown provided with an externally threaded stem or protuberance F for attaching the mop head to an elongated handle G. As shown in
FIG. 2
, one end of the elongated handle G is provided with an internally threaded socket H that is complementary to the externally threaded protuberance F of the mop head E. Thus, the elongated handle G can be attached to the mop head E by engaging its threaded socket H with the threaded protuberance F of the mop head.
The elongated handles shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
are frequently sold separately from the cleaning implements with which they are used. Thus, an individual purchasing, for example, the broom and mop heads shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
must also purchase at least two handles for use therewith, namely, an elongated handle of the type shown in
FIG. 1
(for use with the broom head A) and an elongated handle of the type shown in
FIG. 2
(for use with the mop head E).
Even where a cleaning implement is sold together with an elongated handle, the handles may also be sold separately as replacement parts. For example, if the handle C shown in
FIG. 1
breaks or somehow becomes incapable of engaging the threaded socket B of the broom head A, the handle C must be replaced with a like handle. Similarly, if the handle G shown in
FIG. 2
breaks or somehow becomes incapable of engaging the threaded protuberance F of the mop head E, the handle G must be replaced with a like handle. Furthermore, if a party desires to stock replacement parts for a cleaning implement having the handle attachment means B shown in
FIG. 1
as well as for a cleaning implement having the handle attachment means F shown in
FIG. 2
, the party must inventory both types of elongated handles C, G, since the elongated handle C is not designed to engage a cleaning implement provided with an externally threaded protuberance (e.g., the mop head E shown in FIG.
2
), and the elongated handle G is not designed to engage a cleaning implement provided with an internally threaded socket (e.g., the broom bead A shown in FIG.
1
).
As recognized by the inventor hereof, what is needed is a device capable of attaching an elongated handle to a cleaning implement provided with an internally threaded socket, and also capable of attaching the same elongated handle to a cleaning implement provided with an externally threaded protuberance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to solve these and other needs in the art, the inventor hereof has succeeded at designing and developing a device capable of attaching a single elongated handle to any one of a variety of cleaning implements, regardless of whether the cleaning implements are provided with a socket or a protuberance for purposes of attaching an elongated handle thereto. A direct result of this inventive device is a reduction in parts and inventory costs for the user, and an increase in versatility and worker productivity. For example, where an individual intends to purchase both the broom head A shown in FIG.
1
and the mop head E shown in
FIG. 2
, only one elongated handle needs to be purchased, thus reducing initial equipment costs. Using the device of the present invention, the same elongated handle can be coupled, for example, first to the broom head A, and then to the mop head E, for performing a particular cleaning operation. Further, if the individual desires to stock replacement parts, only a single elongated handle and the preferred device of the present invention are required to ensure that a replacement handle is readily available for a variety of cleaning implements. Moreover, where replacement parts, per se, are not available to an individual in a time of need, the device of the present invention can be used to readily attach virtually any available handle to a cleaning implement, thereby reducing worker down time and thus increasing worker productivity. For example, if it became necessary to provide the mop head E shown in
FIG. 2
with a new elongated handle, the elongated handle C could be removed from the broom head A shown in FIG.
1
and attached to the mop head E shown in
FIG. 2
using the device of the present invention, as will be apparent from the description which follows.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a device comprises an externally threaded protuberance and an internally threaded socket, where the threads of the externally threaded protuberance and the internally threaded socket are non-complementary to one another, the externally threaded protuberance is adapted for mating with a socket having complementary internal threads, and the internally threaded socket is adapted for mating with a protuberance having complementary external threads, whereby the device can be joined with another device comprising either one of the socket having complementary internal threads and the protuberance having complementary external threads. The externally threaded protuberance and the internally threaded socket of the device are preferably coaxial, and the internally threaded socket is preferably positioned within and surrounded by the threads of the externally threaded protuberance. The device may also comprise a socket for attaching an elongated handle to the device, or the device may comprise an integrally formed handle. Preferably, the device has a monolithic construction, and is formed from either plastic or metal.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a device for coupling an elongated handle to a cleaning implement includes a protuberance insertable into a complementary socket of a cleaning implement, and a socket adapted for receiving a complementary protuberance of a cleaning implement, where the protuberance and the socket of the device are non-complementary to one another, and the device is attachable to a cleaning implement having either one of the complementary socket and the complementary protuberance. Preferably, the protuberance of the device includes external threads for mating with a complementary internally threaded socket of a cleaning implement, and the socket of the device includes internal threads for mating with a complementary externally threaded protuberance of a cleaning implement. The socket of the device is preferably positioned between and surrounded by the threads of the device's protuberance, and is preferably coaxial with said protuberance. The device may also comprise a socket for attaching an elongated handle to the device.
In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a device having both an externally threaded protuberance and an internally threaded socket, where the threads of the protuberance and the socket are non-complementary to one another, comprises one of the steps of mating the externally threaded p
Browne Lynne H.
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
Walsh John B.
LandOfFree
Handle attachment device for cleaning implements does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Handle attachment device for cleaning implements, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Handle attachment device for cleaning implements will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2536240