Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Handle – handle component – or handle adjunct
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-11
2001-04-24
Sandy, Robert J. (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Handle, handle component, or handle adjunct
C016S422000, C015S176200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219883
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an assembly for attaching handles to an implement head such as a broom head. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for threadably attaching a handle to an implement head and locking the handle so that it cannot be detached from the head during usage.
A standard implement for which the invention has applicability comprises a separable, elongated handle and one of a variety of implement heads, including brooms, mops, squeegees, etc. For a push broom, the head is made up of bristles and a rigid bristle supporting base, with the base often made of wood, plastic, light metal or other rigid material. The head typically has two predefined, centrally located holes or mounting bores through its upper surface in angularly offset relationship for receiving one end of the handle. One hole is located on a front side of the head and the second hole is located on an opposite side of the head. This allows the handle to be switched from one hole to the other such as, for example, when the bristles become worn in one pushing direction. The holes are typically threaded to allow engagement with the end of the handle which has complementary threads.
While the threaded attachment of the handle to the head provides a functional implement, several inherent problems are present with this arrangement. During use, the threaded attachment between the handle and head routinely loosens due to a force producing a torque imbalance wherein the head is urged to pivot about the handle. If not constantly tightened, the head may become completely separated from the handle. Over tightening of the handle can lead to stripped threads on the handle or within the mounting bore. The distribution and transport of assembled push brooms, with their heads jutting from their handles, is cumbersome and awkward. Shipment of assembled brooms also requires additional valuable cargo or container space compared to shipment of unassembled brooms. Displaying assembled push brooms for retail merchandising and sale presents similar handling and space requirement problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a simple, convenient and reliable method for securing a handle to an implement head.
It is another object of the invention to provide a handle-securing assembly which may be used with any standard two-holed head without modification.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an apparatus which locks the handle and head together when assembled and also prevents misplacement of the handle and head when unassembled.
These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention which comprises an elongated handle and a locking plug for an implement head. The elongated handle has a first end including a threaded portion which is engageable with a threaded mounting bore located in the head. The handle first end includes at least one transverse aperture. The locking plug includes a head connected to a threaded shank and terminates in a locking pin projecting from the shank. The locking pin is preferably coaxial with a locking plug longitudinal axis and sized to fit within the handle transverse aperture.
The implement head includes two angularly offset mounting bores. The mounting bores are internally threaded and have intersecting axes. In use, the handle first end is threadably engaged within one of the mounting bores. The locking plug shank is threadably engaged within the other of the mounting bores and the locking pin is approximately axially aligned with the handle transverse aperture. Further threaded engagement of the locking pin shank within the mounting bore drives the pin into the handle transverse aperture, locking the handle from rotational and axial movement and thereby securing the handle to the head. Preferably, the locking plug shank defines a face which is engageable against the outside surface of the handle first end when the pin is driven into the extended portion aperture to further secure the handle. The handle first end portion may also include radially arrayed faces to better cooperate with the shank face. The locking plug preferably includes provisions for either manual actuation or for mechanical actuation in cooperation with a tool.
In a different embodiment, the handle first end is coaxially mounted to a ferrule. The ferrule includes a threaded portion coaxial with, and projecting from, the handle first end; and the previously described transverse aperture. In use the handle and ferrule assembly is threadably engaged with one head mounting bore and the locking plug threadably engaged with the other head mounting bore, as previously described, so that the locking pin is driven within the ferrule transverse aperture. The locking plug face may also engage the outside surface of the ferrule threaded portion.
In another embodiment, the locking plug pin is moveable within the locking plug between an extended position projecting from the shank face and a retracted position. The pin is biased toward the projected position and includes an attachment for moving the pin to the retracted position. With the handle or ferrule assembly threadably engaged into one mounting bore, the locking plug can be threadably engaged with the other mounting bore to drive the locking pin, in the extended position, into the transverse aperture, thereby securing the handle to the head. If disassembly of the handle from the head is desired, the pin may be moved to the retracted position, so that the pin is withdrawn from the transverse aperture, and rotation of the handle is allowed. Thus, the handle can be removed from, and reattached to, the head without removal of the locking plug. In a variation of this embodiment, the displaceable pin is permanently mounted to the implement head, without the use of the threaded plug. Movement of the pin against its bias to the retracted position still allows the handle to be rotated for assembly or disassembly. With the pin biased into the transverse aperture, the handle is secured to the head.
In any variation in which the aperture is a transverse bore, the engagement of the locking pin and bore immobilizes the handle from both rotational and axial movement. This allows the use of a non-threaded handle or ferrule which mounts to the head by a slip or interference fit within a non-threaded mounting bore.
In a further embodiment, the handle or ferrule threaded end is bisected by a transverse slot. Threaded engagement of the handle or ferrule threaded end within one mounting bore locates the slot at the intersection of the mounting bore axes. Threaded engagement of the locking plug shank with the other head mounting bore drives the locking pin into engagement with the transverse slot, thereby rotationally immobilizing the handle and securing the handle to the head. Alignment of the locking pin with the transverse slot is less critical than alignment of the locking pin and a transverse aperture.
A flexible leash or retainer may connect the locking plug to the handle or ferrule. In this manner, the locking plug and handle cannot be separated and lost. Further, if the locking plug is threadably engaged within the head, the handle will be connected to the head by the leash, preventing misplacement but allowing more compact storage of the head adjacent the longitudinal axis of the handle.
In any embodiment, the assembled handle is secured to the head so that no rotational (and in some embodiments axial movement) of the handle with relation to the head is possible. While the invention allows the handle to be securely fastened to a head, it should be noted that the handle is quickly and easily removable after removal of the locking plug, or in some embodiments movement of the locking plug pin to the retracted position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1043146 (1912-11-01), Schiess
patent: 1771189 (1930-07-01), Palmer
patent: 2689967 (1954-09-01), Mackey
patent: 3707739 (1973-01-01), Hermann, Jr.
patent: 4293972 (1981-10-01), Pomares
patent: 4541139 (1985-09-01), Jones et al.
patent: 4727618 (1988-0
Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Cyber-Mation, Inc.
Sandy Robert J.
LandOfFree
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