Abstract: An apparatus (10) for adapting a drywall skim box (44) to an extension pole (16) to permit application of finishing compound to joints in locations remote from the user (54), such as in extended or high walls. The apparatus (10) includes a curved arm (24), one end of which is coupled to an extension pole (16) and the other end of which includes a mounting platform (38) for attachment to a skim box (44). The skim box (44) is both rotatably and pivotally coupled to the arm (24) for proper positing on a wall surface (58) to be finished. The geometrical relationship between the position of the skim box (44), the arm (24), and the extension pole (16) results in application of sufficient pressure to properly operate the skim box (44) as it is moved along a joint (56).

Abstract: A complete tool kit for cleaning firearms is disclosed. The tool kit utilizes a support rod constructed of rigid polymeric material. The tool kit further includes a rigid stainless steel brush, a combination brush composed of separate rigid polymeric and bronze brushes, a rotary bronze bore brush, a rigid spear point, as well as a rotary bore drying and cleaning attachment using a pair of cloth patches. The support rod is provided with threaded bores in its opposite ends for selectively mounting the noted brushes, spear point, and drying attachment in any selected positional array on the rod ends. A tubular foam rubber pad is positionable around either the support rod, an extension bar, or handle member to facilitate manipulation of a tool kit assembled from the kit. A plurality of support rod extension bars are attachable to either end of the support rod and to the facing ends of each other to increase the length of the support rod.

Abstract: A holder for a cleaning device has a pair of jaws defining a holding space and displaceable between a retaining position relatively close to each other and restricting the space and a releasing position spaced apart relatively far from each other. The cleaning device can be moved into and out of the space when the jaws are in the releasing position but is snugly engaged and held by the jaws when in the space in the retaining position. The jaws are urged by spring force into the releasing position. A pin traversing the jaws has one end bearing on one of the jaws and an opposite end formed with an elongated crosspiece oppositely bearing on the other jaw. The crosspiece is movable between first and second angularly offset positions.

Abstract: A broom brace for attachment between a broom handle and a broom head. A flexible but resilient elastomeric member is positioned intermediate the broom head and the main portion of the handle. Connecting members allow the handle and broom head to be connected to the flexible member. Portions of the connecting members can be encapsulated within the elastomeric material forming the flexible member.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged locking retainer on the end of an elongated handle. The locking retainer has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove in the handle so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the retainer. A latch on the locking retainer has a top end with a double cam surface thereon. One of the cam surfaces guides the latch into a locking position as the retainer is closed. The other of the cam surfaces releases the locking retainer when pushed.

Abstract: A distributing and smoothing tool has a grip (2) releasably connected to a trowel blade (1). A fastening rail (10) has a top hat shape, in cross section, with outwardly bent flanges (14,15) which rest on the upper face (16) of the trowel blade (1). The flanges (14, 15) are connected to the upper face (16) by rows of spot welds (17,18), one row along each flange. The grip (2) is supported by a grip base (5), which is appropriately formed in a U-shape in cross section, and positioned on the fastening rail (10). The end faces (26,27) of the limbs (6,7) of the grip base (5) are supported on the faces of the flanges (14,15) away from the trowel blade 1. An attachment (19) of the fastening rail (10), engages into a recess (20) of the grip base (5), and a knurled screw (23) engages into a threaded borehole (21) of the fastening rail (10) and secures to the grip base (5).

Abstract: An auxiliary handle is provided for manual implements like rakes and brooms. The handle has a lateral arm with one end pivotally connected to the implement handle by a clamp and the opposite end connected to an upright second arm, which is in turn pivotally connected to the implement handle by a clamp. The upright second arm is telescopically adjustable in length to allow the system to be adjusted to suit most any implement configuration and personal stature. The lateral arm is also preferably telescopically adjustable. It carries one or more hand grips.

Abstract: An interdental tooth-brush includes a support bar (1) with a transversal hole (2a) at one end, a small brush stick (3) with a filiform projection (3a) apt to engage into the transversal hole (2a), and a retention device to fix the projection (3a) into the transversal hole (2a) in an interchangeable manner. The transversal hole (2a) is formed into a support head (2) provided at the end of the support bar (1). This support head (2) has a protuberance projecting through a slot (4a) of a cap (4) fitted onto the support head (2). The cap (4), having two diametrically opposite slots (4a, 4b), is axially slidable between a position of release, in which both slots (4a, 4b) are aligned with the transversal hole (2a), and a locking position, in which the rear slot (4b) is axially offset with respect to the hole (2a ).

Abstract: A paint edger has a paint pad with an application end on a handle and a spacer that slides from a retracted to an extended position so that it controls the approach of a paint pad to a surface perpendicular to that being painted.

Abstract: A paint brush holder having a threaded opening for receiving a standard threaded extension rod of any desired length. The paint brush holder further includes a unique handle clamp for securely retaining the handle of the paint brush at multiple angles with respect to the received extension rod. By securing the paint brush at the desired angle and attaching the extension rod, a painter is able to access and paint, in a controlled manner, high, hard to reach painting locations such as ceiling corners, edges, moldings and trim.

Abstract: A releasable clamp for the interior of an elongated tube, for use in telescopic tube arrangements and the like. The clamp comprises an outwardly expandable split ring having open ends and sides of cylindrical configuration, the sides of the split ring expanding outwardly to frictionally engage the interior surfaces of the tube when in expanded position, the split ring slidably movable longitudinally within the tube when the sides of the split ring are in unexpanded position. Wedges are provided, co-operating with the open ends of the split ring to bear against the ends of the split ring to force the sides of the split ring outwardly to expand it, tube engaging position. This releasable clamp may be used, for example, in an adjustable length handle for an appliance such as a floor polisher.

Abstract: An extension for a concrete trowel The extension has a flat, upright frame with a pair of handles at the top for operating the frame and a trowel. A trowel is secured to the bottom of the frame by an adjustable clamp.

Abstract: A broom head holder with a receptacle for a handle. A broom head is clamped into a C-shaped broom head holder portion. A first variation of the broom head holder has a spring clamp attached to an over center lever to hold the broom head in the C-shaped broom head holder. A second embodiment of the broom head holder has a C-shaped member which engages the top, a first side surface and a first bottom lip of the broom head. A second holding member engages an opposite side of the broom head. Threaded fasteners connect the C-shaped members to the second holding member to secure the second holding member against an opposing edge and against a bottom opposite edge of a broom head.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning brush has a handle which is a single integral plastic part, the handle including a grippable center section having at opposite ends a mounting section and a brush supporting section. The mounting section includes a portion of noncircular cross section which extends into and mates with an opening of noncircular cross section in a shotgun stick. Two brush parts each have a cylindrical bristle arrangement, and have a stem which is fixedly secured in the brush mounting section of the handle. The brush parts diverge with respect to each other in a direction away from the handle, the ends of the bristle arrangements nearest the handle having radially overlapping bristles and the opposite ends of the bristle arrangements being spaced.

Abstract: A trowel handle having a blade, one or more upright supports mounted on that blade and a handle adapted for detachably engaging that support is disclosed. The handle includes a channel having tapered sidewalls configured to form a wedge-like engagement with a respective support, thereby precluding the handle's displacement relative to the blade absent the imposition of a force of considerable magnitude directed in a preselected direction.

Abstract: An injection-molded receiver for securing a mop handle, broom handle or alternative cleaning or utility handle to a mop, broom or other cleaning or utility implement or tool having a threaded mounting stud. The injection-molded receiver includes a receiver cap having a cap opening for receiving and mounting one end of the handle and a cap base integrally formed in the receiver cap and fitted with an internally-threaded insert having flange cleats which is injection-molded into the cap base for threadably receiving the threaded mounting stud attached to the cleaning or utility implement, for example, a screw-type mop head. Injection-molding of the insert in the cap base of the receiver facilitates stability, longevity and ease of coupling a screw-type mop or similar utility implement or tool to a handle.

Abstract: Corner paint pad assembly (10) includes a painting pad (12) having a handle (14) which are interconnected by a rotatable joint including ears (28) and (30) on the rear surfaces (24) and (26) of the pad (12), each ear having a hole therein (28) and (30), there being an axle (62) received in said holes. The handle (14) includes a tubular stretch (48) adjacent the tip end (46), the tubular stretch (48) being internally threaded, there being a shank (50) and a base (44) of the hollow handle (14) which are tapered to receive the end of an extension pole or, in the alternative, a threaded insert (70) which may receive the threaded end of an extension pole.

Abstract: A brush holder for a replaceable interdental brush having a body portion and a gripping member mounted on the body portion and movable relative to it. The stem of a brush can be inserted into the holder and is retained between opposed surfaces of the body portion and gripping member. Preferably the opposed surfaces may be textured or have ribs. Optionally the holder is adapted to retain the brush in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus in the form of a scrubber that is motor driven by a direct current (DC) motor driving a rotatable scrubber unit which includes a scrubber disc with the motor and scrubber disc forming a power head supported from a detachable and adjustable length pole which enables surfaces that are normally out of reach to be easily scrubbed. The scrubber disc incorporates a unique pad structure driven through a unique clutch structure with the power head being supported from the pole and connected with a source of DC electric power through a unique, dependable and longlasting electrical conductor arrangement.

Abstract: Quick release lock mechanisms for releasably connecting an extension pole to a tool handle include an adaptor attached to an end of the extension pole having a smooth cylindrical outer end portion axially slidable into and out of an internally threaded bore in the tool handle. A bearing support is provided for the cylindrical outer end portion when fully inserted into the bore. Also, a non-rotatable connection is provided between the adaptor and tool handle when the cylindrical outer end portion is fully inserted into the bore to prevent relative rotation therebetween, and a releasable latch prevents the cylindrical outer end portion from being withdrawn from the bore unless released.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush holder which comprises a elongate casing and an electric motor vibration unit supported within the casing, the casing forming a elongate cavity having an opening at the forward end of the casing for insertion of the handle of a toothbrush, in which opening there is provided a clamping structure having at least two clamping surfaces which are resiliently biassed together by a resilient member so as to clamp or hold a said toothbrush at its handle automatically when the toothbrush handle is inserted into the cavity through the opening.

Abstract: A handle for a handled implement. The handle has a stub, a yoke and a haft. The stub has a shank and a head. The stub has a longitudinal axis. The yoke is disposed on the shank. The yoke abuts the head axially. The yoke is free to rotate about the axis relative to the stub. The yoke has at least one lug disposed in spaced radial relation to the shank. The haft is elongate and engages the head. The haft is joined to the yoke in fixed rotational relation.

Abstract: A paint roller frame having a wire coil female thread for attaching a plurality of different handles thereto. The wire coil female thread is formed directly in the wire frame that is used to support the roller. The wire coil female thread locks onto the rigid male threads of a handle and onto the handle to prevent accidental loosening and to also permit the user to completely replace the handle of the paint roller. The helical wire coil female thread is made of a resilient metal wire with sufficient rigidity to permits firm but yieldable direct transfer of pressure to the paint roller from a longer extension handle rather than through a permanent handle mounted directly on the wire frame. An extension member on the end of wire coil female thread enables a user to remove a handle from the wire paint roller frame without the use of a tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mop frame holder comprising a housing having a slot for receiving a portion of a mop frame, a cover plate slidably engagable with the housing for selectively covering the slot so as to lock the frame portion within the slot, a releasable device for locking the cover plate to the housing when the slot is covered and means for connecting a mop handle to the housing.

Abstract: A tilers trowel having at least one edge which is notched and wherein adjustment means is provided for limiting the depth of material which can be applied, i.e. by adjusting the size of the notching. In one embodiment the trowel comprises two plate-like members which are cooperable and adjustable slidably with respect to one another. One or both members may have notching and preferably the plate members are rectangular with notching to all four edges. A handle is secured to one plate member.

Abstract: An extension pole for a paint roller or the like. The pole has a threaded neck for engaging interior threads of a handle. An O-ring or neck engages an end of the handle to resist rotation of the pole relative to the hollow handle.

Abstract: A broom assembly of a basically wooden push broom comprises a wooden head portion including top and bottom surfaces, leading and trailing edge portions and remote lateral extremities, considering the direction of its movement in use. This head has a laterally centered throughbore opening at one end from the tope thereof adjacent its trailing edge and at its opposite end from the bottom thereof, adjacent its leading edge. A counterbore of the upper end of this throughbore produces an outwardly and rearwardly facing annular shoulder in its bounding wall surface. Securely wedged within this throughbore, towards its bottom, is the short tubular body portion of a rigid plastic adapter means, an external flange at the base end of which overlies the bottom of the head and an external lip at the upper end of which clamps over the aforementioned shoulder in the wall bounding the upper end of the throughbore.

Abstract: A flotation scrubber for cleaning boat bottoms while in the water having a cylindrical tubular head floatable in the water surrounded by removable and replaceable scrubbing material and operated by an elongated tubular handle providing a reinforced substantially right-angle bend near one end of the handle, the other end of the handle having telescoping sections for adjusting overall length. In one form of the invention, the scrubbing material is in the form of a removable sleeve sitting tightly over the cylindrical tubular head and having outwardly projecting bristles and/or fibrous plastic scrubbing material. In another form of the invention, the tubular head may be turned selectively to either a position perpendicular to the handle or a position parallel to the handle.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged locking retainer on the end of an elongated handle. The locking retainer has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove in the handle so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the retainer. A latch on the locking retainer has a top end with a double cam surface thereon. One of the cam surfaces guides the latch into a locking position as the retainer is closed. The other of the cam surfaces releases the locking retainer when pushed.

Abstract: A trowel handle having a blade, one or more upright supports mounted on that blade and a handle adapted for detachably engaging that support is disclosed. The handle includes a channel having tapered sidewalls configured to form a wedge-like engagement with a respective support, thereby precluding the handle's displacement relative to the blade absent the imposition of a force of considerable magnitude directed in a preselected direction.

Abstract: An improved broom assembly comprises a head member having an integrally threaded handle receiving opening with a handle threadedly connected therein and including a locking adaptor for preventing inadvertent unthreading of the handle from the head member. The locking adaptor comprises a generally cylindrical collet body member formed independently of the head member and the handle and having a central opening through which the handle slidably extends. The collet body member further includes resilient finger portions extending axially from the body member along the handle in a direction away from the head member. A nut member is threadedly received on the collet body member for movement axially thereof and includes a tapered surface engageable with the finger portions for driving the finger portions radially inward into gripping engagement with the handle. Engagement tabs extend axially between the collet body member and the head member for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An ergonometrically designed tool handle has a pair of perpendicularly extending hand grips secured at spaced locations along the handle. The tool handle allows prolonged usage by an individual without back strain. The tool handle includes a plurality of intersecting inclined portions which dispose the hand grips in optimal orientation. In a first embodiment, the tool handle has a distal end dimensioned for engagement with a hollow cylindrical socket on a tool head shank. In a second embodiment, a pair of offset sockets are provided on the handle for removable reception of a pair of tool head shanks. An adapter is disclosed which enables conversion of the dual socketed handle for use with single socketed tools. The adapter also provides an angulated extension of the tool handle. The tool handle is designed for use with interchangeable tool heads which may include a hoe, a shovel, a rake, and a scraper.

Abstract: A dental cleaning kit includes a housing arranged with a cavity directed therethrough, with a trough positioned in communication with the cavity at a lower distal end of the front wall and floor of the housing to accommodate a plurality of replaceable toothbrush heads thereon. A side wall of the housing includes a handle structure to receive in a selective manner cleaning components to include a toothpick head and a dental floss holder head. A modification of the invention includes a mirror handle and mirror mounted to the side wall within a loop structure, as well as a further mirror member mounted to a deformable goose neck conduit secured to the first side wall to permit ease of visual observation by an individual during use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved broom assembly comprises a head member having an internally threaded handle receiving opening formed therein with a handle connected with the head member by a manually releasable connector assembly positioned between the head member and a first end of the handle. The connector assembly includes an elongated, generally cylindrical connector body having a first end threadedly received in the handle receiving opening in the head member and a second end joined to the first end of the handle. A locking member having a generally annular shape is axially slidable on the connector body with a first end of the member having teeth-like protuberances extending toward the head member. Splines are provided for preventing rotation of the locking member relative to the connector body, and a threaded nut is carried on the connector body for actuating the locking member toward the head to cause the teeth-like protuberances to lockingly engage the head member.

Abstract: A disposable toothbrush which includes a tubular housing forming a handle and a telescopically slidable brush head carrier mounted in the housing. The brush head carrier includes a brush head with tapered plastic bristles which have a central cup position therein to receive dentifrice. The brush head is pivoted to the carrier and forms a closure for the end of the tubular housing when in retracted position. A wedge-shaped member on the brush head retains it in optimum brushing position. A retaining projection on the brush head retains the brush head in optimum brushing position and a latch structure retains the carrier in extended relation to the tubular housing. The brush head includes a removable bristle assembly to enable multiple use cycles of the toothbrush.

Abstract: An axis rotary toothbrush is provided and consists of an elongated shaft having a distal portion rotatably positioned within a handle so that a proximal portion of the shaft will extend outwardly therefrom. A bristle head is formed about the free end of the proximal portion of the shaft while a ferrule is affixed onto the proximal portion of the shaft adjacent the handle. The index finger and thumb of a hand gripping the handle can manually rotate the ferrule to turn the shaft and the bristle head in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction about the axis of the shaft in order for the bristle head to brush the teeth.

Abstract: An extension rod assembly for manually positioning a tool head in contact with a work surface comprises an extension rod, a pivotable tool head, and a control linkage for locking the tool head in a selected angular position relative to the extension rod. The control linkage comprises an elongate connecting member which extends through the rod, a manually operable handle at the control end of the rod, and a clutch mechanism which is operated by the handle. The clutch has a first position in which it is disengaged from the connecting member, and a second position in which it is frictionally engaged to the connecting member in order to exert a linearly-directed force on the connecting member so as to actuate a locking assembly which locks the tool head in position. In the disengaged position, the clutch permits linear movement of the connecting member past the clutch and handle as tubular portions of the extension rod are telescoped to a desired length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for receiving brushes or pencil brushes, especially interproximal tooth brushes, having a shaft portion and a brush or pencil brush portion. According to the invention the handle includes two elongated handle portions connected to each other through a folding joint provided between first ends thereof. Furthermore, a through-hole is provided in the folding joint for the insertion of the shaft portion of the brush or pencil brush therethrough. Gripping members are provided in connection with the hole for gripping the shaft portion, the handle portions are foldable towards each other about the folding joint and guide and/or locking members are provided for guiding the handle portions towards their correct mutual position in the folded condition and/or for locking the handle portions to each other in the folded condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for surfaces, more particularly window panes. It mainly comprises a handle 1 and a two-part holder 4 for rod-shaped or strip-shaped cleaning elements 8 which is releasably attached to the handle 1. The releasable connection comprises: a forwardly open inner sleeve 2 which is formed on the handle 1 and has diametrically opposite axial slots 11, 12; an outer sleeve 3, mounted rotatably but axially non-displaceably on the inner sleeve 2; and a pin 5, 6 which is inserted in the inner sleeve 2 and is divided into two in the axial direction. The outer sleeve 3 has an internal screwthreading 16, 17 recessed by axial grooves 18, 19 at two diametrically opposite places. By the rotation of the outer sleeve 3 in relation to the inner sleeve 2, the grooves 18, 19 can be brought into alignment with the slots 11, 12.

Abstract: A sanitary device comprises a handle having a free proximal end and a distal end for mounting a shaft. A shaft extends from the distal end of the handle and has a proximal end fixed to the distal end of the handle and a distal end for mounting a wiper member. The wiper member has a proximal end fixed to the distal end of the shaft and a free distal end. The handle and the wiper member each have a widthwise dimension approximately normal to the shaft, and the respective widthwise dimensions of the handle and the wiper member are rotationally offset from each other.

Abstract: An implement such as a broom or rake has a supplementary handle attachment mounted upon an upper side of the conventional shank of the implement. The handle attachment includes a first hand grip section in the form of a bar parallel to the shank and spaced upwardly from the shank. A pair of further hand grip portions are attached to the bar at respective ends of the bar and extend therefrom upwardly and forwardly toward the implement head. The further hand grip portions consist simply of a simple cylindrical body shaped solely to receive the hand of the user gripped therearound without any further handle sections at the upper end. The handle attachment allows a user to select the preferred hand grip locations to allow operation of the device without bending.

Abstract: An ergonometrically designed tool handle has a pair of perpendicularly extending hand grips secured at spaced locations along the handle. The tool handle allows prolonged usage by an individual without back strain. The tool handle includes a plurality of intersecting inclined portions which dispose the hand grips in optimal orientation. In a first embodiment, the tool handle has a distal end dimensioned for engagement with a hollow cylindrical socket on a tool head shank. In a second embodiment, a pair of offset sockets are provided on the handle for removable reception of a pair of tool head shanks. An adapter is disclosed which enables conversion of the dual socketed handle for use with single socketed tools. The adapter also provides an angulated extension of the tool handle. The tool handle is designed for use with interchangeable tool heads which may include a hoe, a shovel, a rake, and a scraper.

Abstract: A device for applying codes and/or coatings to objects having irregular shapes and/or diverse surfaces including a handle assembly having a first, second and third roller mounting assembly secured thereto for presenting roller applicators in three separate planes, one of which is adjustable relative to the other two. The device is adapted for disassembly into a bi-roller and a mono-roller applicator when exigencies require.

Abstract: A toothbrush structure having a head which may be removably attached to a handle at any one of a plurality of operative positions wherein such operative positions are defined by a first, substantially straightline orientation between the handle and the head and a remainder of said operative positions are defined by various angular orientations of said head and handle to accomplish the best angle of approach of the bristles mounted on the head to the teeth being cleaned by the brush in the user's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a long-handled brush suitable for cleaning hollow bodies, e.g. drinkware, bottles, thermos flasks, bowls, vases, etc. The brush comprises a handle and a removable cleaning head. The cleaning head has an elastic core and an outer covering of fell or fell-like material, such as natural sheepskin. A headed bolt is preferably used to attach the cleaning head to the handle, with the bolt extending through a central longitudinal channel in the head. The cleaning head is preferably cylindrical and the handle may be telescopically extendable.

Abstract: An interproximal brush comprises a handle having an end portion provided with a transverse hole communicating with a longitudinal groove for receiving the elongated stem of an interproximal brush. The handle further has a cylindrical boss formed on the lower surface thereof through which the transverse hole extends, and the brush stem is retained securely in the longitudinal groove on closure of a cap, which is pivotably attached to the end portion.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged cap on the end of an elongated handle. The cap has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the cap.

Abstract: A device having a removable insert such as a brush, massage element or pad for applying lotions, medicines, and the like to human body. The device includes an elongated handle having a receptacle end provided with opposed inwardly facing grooves. The removable inserts are generally rectangular in shape and include integral spring biased tabs at the sides thereof. Each tab is provided with a locking stud that is received in a correspondingly shaped recess in the grooves. Each insert may include a brush, massage element, or disposable pad.

Abstract: A hand-holdable tool includes a handle that is detachably connected to a head unit by a locking and release mechanism that includes a snap lock on the handle and a snap lock receiver located interiorly of the head unit. A soap impregnated cleaning pad of special steel can be attached to the head unit.

Abstract: A broom comprising an elongated block with opposing side walls and end walls, a top and, when viewed in side elevation, having a curved bottom; the block bottom having a plurality of spaced apart holes having about the same depth and containing the upper ends of tufts of broom fibers; all the broom fibers in all the tufts in the holes having essentially the same length whereby the curved block bottom and the fanning effect of the fibers after being embedded in the holes creates a broom sweeping head of fibers with a straight outer end without a need to cut the outer ends of the fibers after being embedded in the holes; the lower end of a broom handle being connected to the block at an angle of at least about 5.degree. from vertical when measured with the lower end of the broom sweeping head resting on a horizontal surface and with the broom handle axis intersecting the block top at a location, when measured from one end of the block, which is about 30 to 45% of the length of the block.