Handle with integral cord wrap

Details Handle with integral cord wrap Handle with integral cord wrap

2000-05-19

2001-04-17

Moore, Chris K. (Department: 1744)

Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning

Machines

With air blast or suction

C015S320000, C015S410000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216313

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved hollow, tubular handle for a steam cleaning machine with an integral cord wrap, which design improves the flexural strength of the handle.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The design of tubular plastic handles for steam cleaning machines, particularly those used by consumers, are motivated by a desire to make the machine as light as possible. Tubular plastic handles for such machines, however, may be lacking in flexural rigidity.
Light weight shell structures may be strengthened with metal parts. Metal clips can also be attached to the handle to provide a cord wrap but such metal parts add expense to the fabrication of a handle because the parts themselves cost money and because additional labor is required for the assembly of the handle. Second, metal parts may become loose over time, decreasing the dependability and strength of the handle. And third, set screws or the like that attach the metal parts and protrude inside the handle may cause an electrical hazard because the fasteners could damage the electrical wires inside the handle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a light weight tubular plastic handle for a steam cleaner with an integral cord wrap that improves the flexural strength of the handle without the addition of metal parts other than bushings. It is another object to provide such a handle wherein the bushings may be rotationally molded with the handle. Other objects and features of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
In accordance with the present invention, a handle for a steam cleaner having a support housing has a hollow tubular member with a flat front and rear face. The tubular member has a longitudinal axis and is T-shaped in longitudinal cross-section with a stem and a cross bar. The cross bar is attached to a first end of the stem and has a pair of grips on opposite sides of the stem. The stem widens towards a second end and is bifurcated into a pair of branches which are adapted to be journaled to the main support housing of the cleaner.
The hollow tubular member has an integrally formed tubular outrigger connected by a pair of hollow posts, lying in the same plane as the hollow tubular member and forming a closed loop with the hollow tubular member. The outrigger provides an integral cord wrap while the closed loop that the outrigger and posts make with the hollow tubular member increases the flexural rigidity of the handle along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular member.
A linkage is provided for controlling the angle of the handle with respect to the support housing. Preferably hollow tubular member has an aperture adjacent its bifurcated end providing a second loop increasing the flexural rigidity of the handle. The aperture in the hollow tubular member also permits access to a pin threaded on a rod, under the control of a lever within fingertip reach of the crossbar, forming the linkage for controlling the angle of the handle. Preferably the pin is reciprocated in a bushing integrally molded with the handle. Integrally molded bushings may also be provided in the branches of the tubular member, about which the handle is journaled.
The invention summarized above comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated by the subjoined claims.


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