Abstract: A tool positioning apparatus permitting tool adjustment in two planes, the apparatus generally including an articulating joint apparatus and a resistance thread mechanism for rotatably positioning a tool about a central axis. In one embodiment the joint includes two halves rotatable about a central axis. The two halves are positionable through use of a push-button release that disengages a gear member and permits movement of the two halves relative to each other. In one embodiment, a gear has teeth disposed on one surface, two opposing substantially straight sides, and two opposing substantially curved sides, with a triangular protrusion mounted on each of the gear's two straight portions. The thread resistance mechanism utilizes an elastomeric threading in a narrowing taper.

Abstract: A tool positioning apparatus permitting tool adjustment in two planes, the apparatus generally including an articulating joint apparatus and a resistance thread mechanism for rotatably positioning a tool about a central axis. In one embodiment the joint includes two halves rotatable about a central axis. The two halves are positionable through use of a push-button release that disengages a gear member and permits movement of the two halves relative to each other. In one embodiment, a gear has teeth disposed on one surface, two opposing substantially straight sides, and two opposing substantially curved sides, with a triangular protrusion mounted on each of the gear's two straight portions. The thread resistance mechanism utilizes an elastomeric threading in a narrowing taper.

Abstract: An adjustable jointed coupling (10) for attaching paint rollers, paint brushes, paint shields, and other tools to detachable handles or extension rods, which is rotatable about a central axis through a displacement window of approximately two-hundred degrees. The jointed coupling (10) includes a shank (50) with male threads (52) for accepting a paint roller handle or the like, and a shank (12) with female threads (14) for accepting a handle or extension rod. Each half of the coupling is geared internally and may be locked into a selected position by means of a single gear (36) which engages both halves of the coupling (10) simultaneously. A single push button (102) releases the gear (36) for rotation of the two halves of the coupling and re-engages the gear to lock the selected position. The gear and lock mechanism is constructed such that the push button (102) can be depressed and the coupling (10) adjusted and locked into a new position with the use of only one hand.