Abstract: The primary structural parts of the handle are two extruded telescopic tubes. A longitudinal rib on the smaller, inner tube slides in a groove in the rib on the larger, outer tube, preventing relative motion between the tubes. A box footplate is pivotally attached on a shaft to the free end of the outer tube with the axis of the shaft intersecting the long axis of the tubes and perpendicular to it. Rotation of the footplate is transferred by bevel gearing to a rod at the centers of the tubes which extends through a collet mechanism installed inside the smaller tube near its overlapped end. A lever and related linkage are attached to a fitting installed at the free end of the inner tube. The linkage connects the lever to the collect mechanism. Operation of the lever causes the collet to clamp onto the rod, thus locking the box footplate angular motion and the length of the handle. An auxiliary mechanism may be provided for locking the handle at any of a series of lengths.

Abstract: A telescoping broom for providing an extendable and useful sweeping tool.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescopically adjustable extension pole is disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a collar member and a locking trigger mechanism preferably comprising a bottom trigger member and a top trigger member having a locking pin therein. The top trigger member grippingly engages the collar member which is attached to the outer sleeve of the pole. By depressing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally outwardly retracting the locking pin from an aperture in the inner sleeve permitting the length of the extension pole to be telescopically adjusted. By releasing the bottom trigger member, the top trigger member moves laterally inwardly causing the locking pin to be received within an aperture in the inner sleeve so as to interlock the inner sleeve within the outer sleeve at the approximate desired length of the extension pole.

Abstract: A telescoping self-aligning tube having an inner tube dimensioned and configured to fit within an outer tube which is equipped with a guide slot for receiving a snap button, thereby preventing rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The guide slot allows the telescoping tube to self-align such that the user does not have to twist and maneuver the inner and outer tubes when changing the tube length in order to align a detent button with its detent hole. Embodiments include detent holes located both within and radially opposite with respect to the guide slot. A Foam insert may be located on both ends of the inner tube allow the telescoping tube to be buoyant. A special layer of rubberized or polymer coating protects the cleaned surface from abrasions due to contact with the telescoping tube.

Abstract: An all-purpose cleaning apparatus and kit. The cleaning apparatus includes a head having a substantially triangular shape. The head includes a front portion having an interior and an exterior, a plurality of substantially long hard bristles extending from the exterior of the front portion, and a plurality of substantially short soft bristles extending from the interior of the front portion. The head also includes a rear portion manufactured of a sponge material. In the preferred embodiment, the head of the cleaning apparatus includes a top surface and a bottom surface, disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another such that the head has a substantially low profile, and a rounded front portion. The preferred cleaning apparatus also includes a telescoping handle removably attached to the rear portion of the head via a pivot joint, and an accessory holder dimensioned to secure a bottle to the handle.

Abstract: A push broom operable by a person in a more comfortably upright stature and with less force than required in using straight-handled push brooms has a front handle portion which extends conventionally upwardly and rearwardly from a brush block having downwardly depending bristles. The handle includes a posterior portion which angles upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, thereby orienting the rear, upper end of the posterior handle portion is in a more nearly vertical position than that of straight handled brooms. Preferably, the handle is doubly bowed, the posterior portion of the handle including an intermediate handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the front handle portion, and a rear handle portion inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the intermediate handle portion.