Quick release connector

Abstract

A quick-release connector assembly includes a tip including a plug, a depressible member proximate the plug, and a biasing element upwardly biasing the member; and a base having a receiver and an aperture, the receiver being complementary to the plug, the base further including a connector section configured to secure a tool. The tip is releasably lockable to the base by the insertion of the plug into the receiver and the extension of the member through the aperture, and when the tip is locked with the base, the base is prohibited from rotating relative to the tip.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates generally to a connector assembly for a tool and handle.

BACKGROUND

Flow through tools typically include an extension pole having a hose connected at a first pole end and a tool connected at a second pole end. Alternatively, flow through tools include a tool directly connected to a hose. Liquid is delivered through the pole and/or hose and into the tool. The tool can be any suitable tool for dispensing water including but not limited to a watering wand, a brush, and a mop. Such tools deliver the liquid to a surface so that the surface can easily be watered, rinsed, washed, painted, or the like.

In general, two methods have been used to ensure that the tool is secured to the pole. In a first example, the tool is integral with the pole, i.e., the tool and pole are manufactured as a single article. This construction is deficient in that it does not allow the user to replace the tool on the pole.

In a second example, the pole can include a threaded element or similar structure at its second end such that the tool can be removably attached to the pole. While this addresses the disadvantage noted above, the tool may rotate relative to the pole due to the forces applied to the tool during use. Further, it is difficult to properly align the tool angle relative to the pole when typical threaded engagements are used. The user must turn the tool onto the pole until a water-tight connection is achieved. However, this may not result in a proper orientation of the tool relative to the pole, especially if the tool has been overtightened several times.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary aspects and features of quick release assemblies in accordance with the disclosure are described and explained in greater detail below with the aid of the drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an implement including a quick release assembly.

FIG. 2 depicts a detail view of an alternative quick release assembly.

FIG. 3 depicts a cut-away view of the quick release assembly shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a cut-away view of the quick release assembly of FIG. 3 after assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of an assembly tip.

FIG. 6A depicts a cross sectional view of an alternative assembly tip.

FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of the assembly tip shown in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross sectional view of an additional alternative assembly tip.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of an additional alternative assembly tip.

FIG. 8B depicts a cross sectional view of the assembly tip shown in FIG. 8A taken along line 8B-8B.

FIG. 9A depicts a perspective view of an additional exemplary assembly tip.

FIG. 9B depicts a cross sectional view of the assembly tip shown in FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B.

FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of an additional exemplary quick release assembly.

FIG. 10B depicts a cross sectional view taken of the quick release assembly shown in FIG. 10A taken along line 10B-10B.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of an additional alternate example of a quick release assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of an implement 20 is shown. The implement 20 includes an extension pole 22, a quick release assembly 24, and a tool 26. The extension pole 22 is exemplified as an elongate, hollow tube with an inner flow-through channel 28 extending throughout its length. The pole 22 has a rear end 30 and a front end 32 and generally extends along a longitudinal axis X. A liquid source such as a hose (not shown) can be attached to the pole 22 at the rear end 30 in order to introduce liquid into the pole 22 such that it can flow from the rear end 30 through the inner channel 28 to the front end 32. While a pole 22 is shown here, the quick release assembly may alternatively be directly connected to a hose.

The quick release assembly 24 includes a tip 34 and a base 36. The tip 34 has a front section 38 and a rear section 40. The rear section 40 of the tip 34 can be inserted into the front end 32 of the pole 22 (or directly into a hose) and is thereby secured to the pole 22. In this example, the rear section 40 is T-shaped to match the T-shaped channel in the pole 22, but the pole 22 and tip 34 can use other complementary cross sections. Such a T-section configuration is beneficial however, in that it can help to prevent rotation of the pole 22 relative to the tip 34. The tip 34 may be attached to the pole 22 in several ways, including but not limited to adhesives, screws, rivets, and crimping. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, a button assembly 42 is disposed in the front section 38 of the tip 34.

The base 36 includes a receiving portion 44, an aperture 46, and a threaded plug 48. The receiving portion 44 has a profile that matches the front section 38 of the tip 34. As will be more clearly described herein, the base 36 and tip 34 can be connected to form the quick release assembly 24 by inserting the front section 38 of the tip 34 into the receiving portion 44 of the base 36 along the longitudinal axis X. The button assembly 42 extends through the aperture 46, thereby preventing separation of the tip 34 and base 36. To remove the base 36 from the tip 34, the button assembly 42 is depressed downwardly, and the tip 34 is pulled out from the base 36.

The tool 26 shown in FIG. 1 is a brush head that includes an attachment section 50, a body 52, and a set of bristles 54 extending outwardly from the body 52. The brush head 26 can be coupled to the base 36 by turning the attachment section 50, which includes grooves (not shown) on the interior surface thereof for receiving the threads of the threaded plug 48 of the base 36. Alternatively, the brush head 26 can be coupled to the base 36 by adhesive bonding or integral manufacture of the brush 26 and base 36. Further, other tools can be used including but not limited to water wands, spray nozzles, brushes, and squeegees. When alternate tools are needed, the releasable locking mechanism permits a quick and easy release of one tool, and the addition of a new tool.

As described in further detail below, both the tip 34 includes an inner channel 35 and the base 36 include an inner channel 37 extending the length of the respective part. Further, the brush 26 or other tool can include a similar inner channel 39. In use of the implement 20, the liquid source directs a liquid through the inner channel 28 of the pole 22, through the channel 35 of the tip 34, through the channel 37 of the base 36, through the channel 39 of the brush 26 and onto the bristles 54. The liquid on the bristles 54 can then be used to wash, rinse, or paint a surface. The liquid can be water, paint, liquid soap, or any other liquid.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a detail view of an alternative quick release assembly 60 is shown. The quick release assembly 60 is identical to the quick release assembly 24 except for the features specifically noted herein. The assembly 60 includes a tip 62 and a base 64. The tip 62 includes a rear section 66 with a rear end 68 and a front section 70 with a front end 72. The front section 70 is attached to the rear section 66 at a shoulder 74. The rear section 66 of the tip 62 is cylindrical in shape, and not T-shaped as shown in FIG. 1. The cylindrical shape of the rear section 66 allows it to be attached to a pole, or directly to a liquid source having a circular flow through channel such as a hose. The rear section 66 includes a circumferential groove 76 in which a gasket (not shown) can be disposed. The gasket helps to provide a water-tight seal between the pole or hose and the tip 62.

The front section 70 is a plug 78 including a top piece 80 and a bottom piece 82. The top piece 80 generally has the shape of a paralleleipiped, while the bottom piece 82 has a generally cylindrical shape. The top piece 80 includes a button assembly 84 that allows the tip 62 to be releasably locked to the base 64. The button assembly 84 includes a button 86 that is biased by a biasing element, here a spring (see FIG. 1), to an extended position away from the longitudinal axis X. As exemplified, the button 86 includes a sloped front side 88 and a generally vertical rear side 90.

An inner channel 92 extends from the front end 72 to the rear end 68 of the tip 62. The inner channel 92 allows fluid to flow through the tip 62 from the pole (or other liquid source) to the base 64. The inner channel 92 is disposed in the bottom piece 82 of the front section 70.

The base 64 includes a rear section 94 with a rear end 96. A receiving section 98 is disposed in the rear section 94 of the base 64 and has a shape substantially similar to that of the plug 78 of the tip 62, with a rectangular section 100 and a circular section 102. The receiver 98 defines an upper boundary 104. An aperture 106 extends through the base 64 from the receiver 98. The aperture 104 is sized and shaped to receive the button 86.

The complementary shapes of the tip plug 78 and the base receiver 98 allows the plug 78 to be inserted into the receiver 98. The depressible button 86, in its normal biased position, extends to a height above that of the upper boundary 104 of the receiver 98. During insertion of the tip 62 into the base 64, a user may manually depress the button 86 while pushing the tip 62 and base 64 together along the longitudinal axis X. Alternatively, the user may simply insert the plug 78 of the tip 62 into the receiver 64, and allow the force of the upper boundary 104 against the sloped front side 88 of the button 86 to automatically depress the button 86 as the plug 78 is inserted into the receiver 98.

Upon complete insertion of the plug 78 of the tip 62 into the receiver 98 of the base 64, the depressible button 86 extends through the aperture 106 under the force of the spring. In other words, the button 86 “snaps-up” through the aperture 106. The button 86 releasably locks the tip 62 and base 64 together and thereby prevents separation of these components. To disassemble the tip 62 from the base 64, a user may simply depress the button 86 while simultaneously pulling the tip 62 and base 64 apart in opposite directions.

The depth of insertion of the plug 78 into the receiver 98 may be limited by the engagement of the rear end 96 of the base 64 with the shoulder 74 of the tip 62. Such frictional contact may also help to stabilize the connection of the tip 62 relative to the base 64. Additionally or alternatively, the depth of insertion can be limited by the depressible button 86 on the tip 62 and the aperture 106.

While the plug 78 in this example includes a top piece 80 and a bottom piece 82, the plug 78 can generally be any non-circular shape as such shapes prevent rotation of the plug 78 relative to the base 64. For example, the plug 78 can be triangular, rectangular, octagonal, or any other non-circular shape. The plug 78 could also be generally circular with certain other elements disposed thereon to prevent rotation, such as a keyway or wings. Such configurations are considered to be non-circular. In each of the above examples, the plug 78 and the receiver 98 have complementary shapes such that the plug 78 can be inserted into the receiver 98 and rotation is prevented between the plug 78 the receiver 98. Additionally, unlike conventional threaded attachment mechanisms, the tip 62 and the base 64 do not loosen when a torque is applied about the longitudinal axis to one or more of the tip and the base.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a quick release assembly 110 is shown in cross-section view. The quick release assembly 110 is the same as the quick release assembly 60 in form and function except as specifically noted herein. The quick release assembly 110 includes a tip 112 and a base 114. The tip 112 includes a front section 116 with a front end 118 and a rear section 120 with a rear end 122. An annular rib 124 is disposed on the front end 118. An inner channel 126 extends in longitudinal direction X along the length of the tip 112 from the rear end 120 to the front end 116.

The front section 116 includes a button assembly 128 generally similar to the button assemblies previously described. The button assembly 128 includes a depressible button 130 with a front side 132 and a back side 134. However, the button 130 does not have a sloped front side like button 84. Instead, the front side 132 is generally vertical. The back side 134 is generally vertical. The button 130 has at its base a flange 136 extending outwardly. The button assembly 128 also includes a spring 138 that provides an upwardly biasing force (i.e., +y-axis) on the button 130. A collar 140 having edges 142 can be press-fit into the tip 112 to trap the button 130 in the tip 112 by engaging the flanges 136 of the button 130. Alternatively, the collar 140 may be an integral part of the tip 112 which is formed with the tip 112 in a molding process or a machining process. The button collar 140 may also be an extruded undercut in the tip 112 that prevents the button 130 from “popping out” of place.

Similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 114 includes a receiver 144 that accepts the tip 112. The base receiver 144 defines an upper boundary 146, and a tapered surface 148 extends downwardly from the upper boundary 146. Similar to the previously described quick release assemblies, and as best shown in FIG. 3, the base 114 includes an inner channel 150 extending forward from the receiver 144. A gasket 152 can be disposed on the end of the inner channel 150 in the receiver 144 to ensure that liquid flow though the inner channel 150 of the quick release assembly 110 does not leak into the receiver 144 of the base 114. As in the previously described bases, the base 114 includes an aperture 154.

During insertion of the tip 112 into the base 114, the tapered surface 148 provides a contact interface with the button 130 of less than ninety-degrees. Such a lessened angle of interface allows the tapered surface 148 to automatically depress the button 130 when the user pushes the tip 112 and base 114 together along the longitudinal axis X. However, when the tip 112 is coupled to the base 114, and the button 130 is extended in the aperture 154 (see FIG. 4), the back side 134 of the button is generally parallel with a back-end 156 of the aperture 154 such that the button 130 is prevented from being automatically depressed when the tip 112 and base 114 experience a separating force along the longitudinal axis X. Preferably, separation of the tip 112 from the base 114 includes the user depressing the button 130 while simultaneously applying a separating force on the tip 112 and base 114 along the longitudinal axis X.

Upon coupling the tip 112 to the base 114, the front section 116 of the tip 112 is inserted into and locked in the receiver 144 of the base 114. The annular rib 124 on the front end 118 of the tip 112 bears against the gasket 152 in the receiver 144 of the base 114 such that the inner channel 126 of the tip 112 is in fluid communication with the inner channel 150 of the base 114. Specifically, any fluid flowing through the inner channel 126 of the tip 112 will flow through the inner channel 150 of the base 114 without any of the fluid leaking into the receiver 144. Thus, it is typically desirable for the front section 116 of the tip 112 to fit snugly in the receiver 144.

FIG. 5 illustrates a quick release tip 160, which includes a front section 162 and a rear section 164. The rear section 164 may be any shape to fit a pole or hose. The front section 162 includes a first button 166 and a second button 168. Such a tip 160 requires a base (not shown) with a receiver that includes two apertures through which the first and second buttons can extend. While two buttons 166, 168 are shown, the tip 160 can include any number of buttons around the periphery of the tip.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a quick release tip 170, which includes a front section 172, a rear section 174, and an inner channel 176 extending the entire length. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the rear section 174 may be any shape to fit a pole or hose. The front section 172 includes a bottom piece 178 and a top piece 180. The top piece 180 includes a button assembly 182 that functions generally similarly to the previous examples. The button assembly 182 includes a button 184 that is biased upwardly by a spring 186. The button assembly 182 further includes a hinge 188 at its back side 190. The button 184 includes a flange 192, and the top piece 180 includes a retention post 194 that engages the flange 192 so that the spring 186 maintains the button 184 in the extended position shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As can be seen in FIG. 6B, the top piece 180 and the bottom piece 178 create a non-circular profile for the front section 172 that, when inserted into a coordinated receiver of a base, restrict rotation between the tip 170 and a base. To remove the tip 170 from a base, the user an depress the button 184 as in previous examples.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further example of a quick release tip 200, which includes a front section 202 and a rear section 204. Similar to the embodiments previously described, the rear section 204 may be any shape to fit a pole or hose. Instead of a button assembly, the front section in this example includes a projecting tab 206 attached by a strip 208. The strip 208 may be made of a flexible material such that the strip 208 acts as a spring and the projecting tab 206 can pivot about the strip 208 and return to its extended position upon the release of any force upon the projecting tab 206. In an example, the strip 208 can be a thermoplastic polymer. In another example, the entire tip 200 can be made from such a polymer.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, perspective view and a side section view of a quick release tip 210, respectively, are shown. The tip in FIG. 8A is coupled to an extension pole 211. As in some of the previously described embodiments, the top piece 212 on the front section 214 includes a collar 216 that engages the flanges 218 of the button 220 to capture the button 220. However, a side rail 222 of the collar 216 is slidably removable in a side groove 224 in the collar 216. Accordingly, the button assembly 228 can be assembled by removing the side rail 222, inserting the button 220 and spring 230 with the flanges 218 under the collar 216, and replacing the side rail 222. The side rail 222 can be held in place by an interference snap-fit engagement, a suitable retention bracket (not shown), an adhesive bond (in which case it would not be removable), or other known methods.

Similarly, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a perspective view and a front section view of a quick release tip 240, respectively. In this exemplified quick release tip, a front rail 242 is removable from the collar 244. In all other repsects, it is similar to the quick release tip 210 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a perspective view and a side section view of a quick release assembly 250. A base 252 may include a front section 254 with a front end 256 and a rear section 258 with a rear end 260. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the rear section 258 attached to a pole 262. In this example, the front end 256 of the base 252 may include a receiver 264. A button assembly 266 is generally disposed in the receiver 264 and includes a button 268, a collar 270 capturing the button 268, a spring 272 biasing the button 268 toward the longitudinal axis X, and a tab 274 connected to the button 268. The user may pull the tab 274 away from the longitudinal axis X against the force of the spring 272 to move the button 268 in a similar direction, thereby permitting the removal of the tip 276 from the base 252.

The tip 276 includes a rear section 278 sized and shaped to be inserted into the receiver 264. The rear section 278 has a rear end 280 and an inner channel 282 extending throughout its length, and includes a plug 284 with an engagement ledge 286 and a platform 288. The platform 288 and the engagement ledge 286 each have a flat surface 290, 292. A gasket 294 is disposed on the rear end 280 surrounding the inner channel 282.

When the tip 276 is assembled to the base 252, the button 268 extends toward the longitudinal axis X, with the button 268 bearing against the platform 288 past the engagement ledge 286. Accordingly, the engagement ledge 286 bearing against the rear side of the button 268 restricts the tip 276 from moving longitudinally relative to the base 252. Further, the flat surface 290 of the engagement ledge 286 bears against a flat internal surface 296 of the receiver 264, and the flat surface 292 of the platform 288 bears against the button 268. These interactions restrict the tip 276 from rotating relative to the base 252.

To separate the tip 276 from the base 252, a user pulls up on the tab 274 away from the longitudinal axis X which raises the button 268 above the engagement ledge 286. The assembly 250 may then separate when the user pulls the base 252 and tip 276 in opposite directions of the longitudinal axis X.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an additional example of an implement 300 with a tip 308 and a base 310. The tip 308 is connected to an extendible pole 304 that is fully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, the contents of which are included herein by reference. The pole 304 is sealed on its rear end by a handle 306, and therefore does not allow a liquid such as paint, water or other liquid to be introduced into and flow through its interior as in the previous examples.

The tip 308 and the base 310 are constructed similarly as in FIG. 2, except that neither the tip 308 nor the base 310 includes an inner channel. While, of course, the tip 308 and the base 310 can include inner channels as in previous examples, it is not required because the pole 304 in this example has no provision to allow a liquid to flow through its interior to the tip 308 and base 310 (due to the sealing by the handle 306).

A paint roller 312 is shown integrally connected to the base 310 in FIG. 11, but other tools can be used with the implement 300. The base 310 and the paint roller 312 can be secured to and removed from the tip 308 as in previous examples. After the base 310 is removed from the tip 308, a second base (not shown) similar to the base 310 can then be disposed on the tip 308. The second base can have a different type of tool such as a paint brush (not shown) attached to it. Furthermore, a base similar to base 310 with virtually any type of tool attached to it could be disposed on the tip 308 and used. For example, in addition to the already mentioned paint roller and paint brush, other tools such as a broom, squeegee, pik, other kinds of brushes, and the like can be connected to a base and used. Thus, the implement 300 allows for the quick interchangeability of tools.

A variety of materials may be used to manufacture the quick release tip and the base including but not limited to die cast zinc, aluminum, stainless steel, and a variety of thermoplastic resins. Thermoplastic polymers such as, for example, polyesters, nylons, polypropylenes, and mixtures thereof are specific materials that can be used to fabricate the tip and the base.

Although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of a quick-tip system, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every embodiment of a quick-tip system.

Claims

1. A quick-release connector, comprising:

a tip including a plug, a depressible member proximate the plug, and a biasing element upwardly biasing the member; and

a base having a receiver and an aperture, the receiver being complementary to the plug, the base further including a connector section configured to secure a tool;

wherein the tip is releasably lockable to the base by the insertion of the plug into the receiver and the extension of the member through the aperture; and

wherein when the tip is locked with the base, the base is prohibited from rotating relative to the tip.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the member includes a projecting tab and the biasing element includes a strip connecting the projecting tab to the plug.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the member includes a button and the biasing element includes a spring.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the button includes a hinge connecting the button to the plug.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plug and the receiver have complementary non-circular cross-sections.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the button includes a sloped front such that an edge of the receiver forces the button against the force of the biasing element during movement of the plug into the receiver.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tool releasably connected to the base at the connector section.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the tool is selected from the group consisting of a brush, a spray nozzle, a water wand, and a squeegee.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a tool integrally connected to the base at the connector section.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pole connected to the tip at the first connection section.

11. A connector assembly with a flow through passage, comprising:

a tip having an internal passage extending the length of the tip, a first tip connector section configured to connect the tip to a liquid source such that the liquid source and the internal passage of the tip are in fluid communication, and a second tip connector section having a non-circular profile; and

a base having an internal passage and a base connector section, wherein the base connector section has a profile that is complementary to the non-circular profile of the second connector section;

wherein the tip is coupled to the base by engagement of the second tip connector section with the base connector section, and rotation of the tip relative to the base is prevented by the non-circular profiles of the engaged second tip connector section and the base connector section;

wherein when the tip is coupled to the base, the internal passage of the tip is in fluid communication, with the internal passage of the base such that liquid from the liquid source can flow through the tip and base.

12. The assembly of claim 11, the second tip connector section comprising a plug, the base connector section comprising a receiver, the plug being insertable into the receiver to connect the tip to the base.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the plug comprises a parallelepiped disposed on a cylinder, wherein the parallelepiped disposed on the cylinder defines the non-circular profile.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein a button extends from the parallelepiped and extends through an aperture in the receiver to lock the tip relative to the base when the plug is inserted into the receiver.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes a gasket against which the plug bears to seal the internal passage of the tip and the internal passage of the base.

16. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a pole connected to the tip at the first connection section.

17. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a hose connected to the tip at the first connection section.

18. The assembly of claim 11, further comprising a tool integral with the base.

19. The assembly of claim 11, the base further comprising a tool adaptor configured to secure a tool to the base.

20. A quick release connector assembly with a flow through passage, comprising:

a tip having an internal passage extending the length of the tip, a plug having a non-circular profile, a button disposed on the plug and biased outwardly, and a connector section, wherein the connector section is configured to connect the tip to a liquid source such that the liquid source and the internal passage of the tip are in fluid communication;

a base having an internal passage, a receiver, and an aperture, wherein the receiver has a profile that is complementary to the non-circular profile of the plug such that the plug can be inserted into the receiver, wherein the spring loaded member extends through the aperture to releasably lock the tip with the base when the plug is inserted into the receiver; and

a tool connected to the handle, the tool being selected from the group of a brush, a spray nozzle, a water wand, and a squeegee;

wherein rotation of the tip relative to the base is prevented by the non-circular profiles of the plug and the receiver; and

wherein when the tip is locked with the base, the internal passage of the tip is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the base such that liquid from the liquid-source can flow through the tip and base.