Extension Patents (Class 16/427)
  • Patent number: 7549195
    Abstract: A locking system for connecting a handle and an implement is provided. The locking system includes a handle having a first thread and a first locking member and an implement having a second thread and a second locking member. The first and second threads are threadably engaged so that the first and second locking members selectively lock the handle to the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Leon Bensussan, Ronald Michael Callanan
  • Patent number: 7540058
    Abstract: A painting tool assembly includes an elongated pole having a first end and a second end. The elongated pole has a length greater than three feet. A roller mounting releasably couples to a paint roller. The paint roller is rotatable along a longitudinal axis of the paint roller. The roller mounting receives and is removably coupled to the first end of the pole. A locking member is mounted on the pole and releasably locks the pole to the roller mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Greg H. Day
  • Publication number: 20090094791
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards a kit for a combination cleaning implement handle and extension handle kit that may be detachably connected to an implement holder. Various embodiments of the invention feature a pin lock that is configured in a sloped, oval shape such that the extension handle may be easily attached to implement handles of various types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Patent number: 7513015
    Abstract: A handle for a rotating tool extension is disclosed. The handle includes a body member having a central portion with first and second end portions. The body member is positionable along an axis of rotation of the rotating tool extension and includes a bore formed in the body member extending therethrough along the axis of rotation. A liner may be at least partially disposed within the bore, and may be at least partially removable from and insertable within the bore. A rotating tool extension is at least partially inserted within the liner. Alternatively, the body member may include at least one roller bearing member contacting at least a portion of the rotating tool extension during rotation of the extension. The handle and extension may be provided as a combination and also as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel A. Peluso
  • Publication number: 20080313858
    Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed toward detachable extension handles that allow extension handles to be effortlessly and securely attached to implements of various types. Various embodiments of the invention feature a pin lock that is configured in a sloped, oval shape such that the extension handle may be easily attached to implement handles of various types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Patent number: 7431528
    Abstract: A telescopic handwriting pen for PDA or cellular phone. In one embodiment, the pen comprises tubelike inner, intermediate, and outer sections and first and second coupling assemblies fitted in front ends of the inner and intermediate sections. Either coupling assembly includes annular grooves with O-rings put thereon, an annular recess between the grooves filled with lubricating oil, and a rear extension secured to the inner or intermediate section. A writing head is fitted in a front end of the outer section and comprises a channel in fluid communication with the external and inside of the second coupling assembly. Stop mechanisms are provided in rear ends of the outer and intermediate sections for preventing an inside section from disengaging another section while sliding therein. The pen can carry out a smooth sliding and has a balanced weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Ya-Chiao Liu
  • Patent number: 7416361
    Abstract: An extendable pole for window washing includes a plurality of substantially hollow elongated rigid tubular sections, each of which has a lower end and an upper end and a substantially cylindrical outer side wall. The upper end of one section is mechanically connected to the lower end of a section there above to form a substantially continuous pole. Apertures are formed in the side wall of each of the tubular sections adjacent the lower ends and adjacent the upper ends. An elongated flexible tube which is slightly longer than its associated tubular section extends through the interior of the tubular section with its ends passing through the lower and upper apertures to the exterior thereof. Fluid connectors at the ends of each of the tubes connect them together so that the tubes are in fluid communications with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Publication number: 20080168626
    Abstract: An assembly containing a number of different tools that can be mounted to a lightweight extension pole or rod is provided. The assembly can be integrated with hunting, camping or fishing gear, and enable sportsmen to extend their reach when performing a variety of functions. The extension pole can be a single shaft or be assembled from a number of shaft segments, each having the dimensions and physical properties of a hunting arrow shaft. With plural shaft segments, each has an upper and a lower extremity, and each has a attachment mechanism or connector for securing the individual secondary shaft segments to each other longitudinally by engaging corresponding connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: James A. Sewell
  • Publication number: 20080134846
    Abstract: A tool assembly comprising a handle having first and second sides, first and second ends, and a channel portion. A resiliently biased driver assembly is movably retained within the handle. The driver assembly can be activated from a closed condition to an open condition by pressing a button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Brian S. Potempa, Michael M. Potempa, Craig S. Serio, Michael Toll
  • Patent number: 7374359
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible stylus for interfacing with a touchscreen of an electronic device. The expandable and contractible feature allows for a stylus that contracts to fit into a stylus holder in a small handheld device and expands to facilitate its removal from a device and to fit more comfortably in a user's hand. It holds either its expanded or contracted position for any orientation in space. An expandable and contractible stylus may facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over other conventional styluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Michael Albertini, John Byrne, Joel Friedrick
  • Patent number: 7290311
    Abstract: Implements including handles and working ends and product lines thereof are described. The implements are typically cleaning implements, such as mops mad brooms, but may be garden implements such as hoes and rakes. Various methods for using such implements are described. In one aspect, the methods relate to shipping the implements, each of which includes the same overall, length. In another aspect, the methods relate to displaying the implements, most often in a retail environment for presentation to consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Quickie Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Peter S. Vosbikian, Robert E. Petner
  • Patent number: 7237305
    Abstract: An improved extension pole (10) is provided having an outer tubular pole section (12) and an inner pole section (14) telescopically and reciprocally received within the section (12). The outer section (12) has a shock-absorbing component (38) mounted adjacent the base (20) thereof, which safely absorbs shocks incident to unrestrained fall of the inner pole section (14). The pole (10) also includes a fixture mounting element (74) with an associated locking member (88), the latter being threadably mounted and movable against the base of a fixture such as a light bulb changer (18), in order to securely mount the fixture in place on the pole (10). An improved, cam-type locking mechanism (16) is also provided which gives a short-throw twist operation through less than about a 45° arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Dere Newman, William Daniel Richardson
  • Patent number: 7216403
    Abstract: The ergonomic appliance handle is an extension handle that is attachable to a carrying or transport handle on a canister style vacuum cleaner or similar floor appliance. The ergonomic appliance handle provides an elongated handle shaft that is attached to the canister vacuum's handle at a proximate end of the handle shaft by a mounting assembly. The handle shaft extends angled upward, away from the vacuum, placing a handgrip at the distal end of the handle shaft at an ergonomically comfortable height and position for a user to easily and conveniently operate the vacuum in a comfortable posture without subjecting the user to unnecessary bending, stooping, or twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Deborah Decker
  • Patent number: 7203986
    Abstract: A cleaning tool having a clamp-on handle assembly. The clamp-on handle assembly includes a slidable locking element which can be moved from an open position, wherein the handle assembly can be placed over a handle portion of the cleaning tool, to a locked position wherein the locking element clamps the handle assembly securely onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool. Advantageously, no external tools or fastening implements are required to secure the handle assembly to the handle portion of the cleaning tool. The handling assembly allows the user to use the cleaning tool to reach elevated areas or other areas that would be difficult to reach with the user holding directly onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Pears, Cheung Wun Yau
  • Patent number: 7100238
    Abstract: A bendable extension arm. A stiffening wire having a first end and a second end is connected at its first end to a wire receptor and at its second end to another wire receptor. A sheath covers the stiffening wire and prevents over bending of the stiffening wire. In a preferred embodiment, attachment devices are connected to the wire receptors. For example, in one embodiment a paint brush is connected to one of the wire receptors and an extension pole is connected to the other wire receptor. In another preferred embodiment, the bendable extension arm is used as a bendable handle. The user can grab the bendable handle at one end and attach an attachment device to the other end of the bendable handle. The bendable handle can be bent as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick McCauley
  • Patent number: 7093366
    Abstract: A tool guide enables the earth or other surfaces to support the weight of a portable tool without using wheels or casters while providing a unique combination of adjustments positioning portable tools such as hedge trimmers to trim hedges or shrubs accurately. A first set of telescoping tubes is hinge coupled to one end of a second set of telescoping tubes. The other end of the second set of telescoping tubes rests and pivots upon the earth providing weight support and unique arc and rotational adjustment for the portable tool. The portable tool is mounted onto one end of a first set of telescoping tubes with a tool to handle adapter. An electrical cord is inserted through a portable tool handle extension and connects to the portable tool. A locking adjustment on the second set of telescoping tubes controls height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: William Edward Black
  • Patent number: 7086115
    Abstract: A cordless hand held duster comprising a handle and a small feather duster head attachable thereto. An internal battery and motor provides power to rotate or vibrate the duster head for removing dust and debris. The duster head can attach directly to the tool for dusting tables or other low surfaces, or various extension arms can be used, including a straight arm or variously angled arms. One extension arm, or a combination of extension arms, may be used to accommodate removal of dust, dirt or debris from elevated spaces, recesses or objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Suzzy Rex, Brandi Sislo
  • Patent number: 7082644
    Abstract: A handle extension for rotating a crank handle includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end. A member with a receptacle for engaging the crank handle is mounted at the first end of the shaft. When the second end of the shaft is grasped and a rotational force imparted to the shaft, the crank handle is caused to rotate. This handle extension is useful with crank handle operated ceiling mounted ventilation openings commonly found in recreational vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Victor Senner
  • Patent number: 7077594
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible stylus for interfacing with a touchscreen of an electronic device. The expandable and contractible feature allows for a stylus that contracts to fit into a stylus holder in a small handheld device and expands to facilitate its removal from a device and to fit more comfortably in a user's hand. It holds either its expanded or contracted position for any orientation in space. An expandable and contractible stylus can facilitate the user's experience and thus provide an advantage over the other conventional styluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Palm, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank Annerino, Michael Albertini, John Byrne, Joel Friedrick
  • Patent number: 7073228
    Abstract: A telescoping handle having a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes characterized by relative sliding stiffness between each of the tubes and having a similar resistance to rotation, the handle comprising a plurality of stiffeners having an outside diameter sized to fit snugly within an inside diameter of an associated tube. Each stiffener is positioned in an end of the associated tube remaining within an adjacent larger diameter tube when in an extended state. Each stiffener has an axial length at least as long as an overlap length of the associated tube and the adjacent larger diameter tube when in the extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pro Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert James Light
  • Patent number: 7028375
    Abstract: A hollow, cylindrical, handle is substantially permanently connected to a end piece by insertion into the distal end of the handle of a first axial section of the end piece and inwardly deforming portions of the handle wall inwardly into indentations formed in the outer surface of the end piece. The end piece includes a shoulder at the juncture of the first section with a second section limiting the extent of insertion of the end piece into the handle and the indentations are formed, preferably on diametrically opposite sides of the first section, at a known axial distance from the shoulder. Visible indicia are placed on the outer surface of the second section in axial alignment with the indentations. The positions at which the handle wall is inwardly deformed is determined by the known distance from the shoulder (distal end of the handle) and in axial alignment with the indicia on the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Carrand Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7000958
    Abstract: An assist device for a door handle comprises an elongated bar which has one end pivoting about a pivot pin and another end receiving a pivot piece therein. The parts interact to produce a tight looking, attractive, easy-to-assemble, and sturdy device with no sharp projecting parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Gilbert Garza, Lisamarie Garza
  • Patent number: 6925686
    Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Heathcock, Peter M. Neumann, Michael E. Short
  • Patent number: 6874201
    Abstract: A tool extension assembly including an extension pole connected to a connecting device and a tool assembly having a handle with an insert secured therein. A transversely-extending pin is movably mounted to the connecting device and is biased by a spring. The insert has a cylindrical side wall with an interior surface that defines an interior bore and interior edges that define a pair of opposing slots. The slots extend axially and circumferentially along the side wall. The connecting device is receivable in the bore of the insert such that when end portions of the pin are disposed in the slots and the handle is rotated in a first direction, the interior edges of the insert move the pin against the bias of the spring until the pin reaches end portions of the slots, at which point the pin exerts a force against the interior edges of the insert that pulls the tool assembly and the extension pole assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Duong L. Ta, Ty J. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6865776
    Abstract: An improved modular handle for a tool having a plurality of handle segments, at least a grasping segment and a support segment for the tool, the segments being provided with either a male end or a female end for coupling to each other by a forced introduction. The male end has a reduced diameter zone with a undulate end section, and the female end having a hollow section with an inner diameter to receive, by a forced coupling, the undulate section of the male end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: F.I.M.M. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Spinelli
  • Publication number: 20040261204
    Abstract: A cleaning tool having a clamp-on handle assembly. The clamp-on handle assembly includes a slidable locking element which can be moved from an open position, wherein the handle assembly can be placed over a handle portion of the cleaning tool, to a locked position wherein the locking element clamps the handle assembly securely onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool. Advantageously, no external tools or fastening implements are required to secure the handle assembly to the handle portion of the cleaning tool. The handling assembly allows the user to use the cleaning tool to reach elevated areas or other areas that would be difficult to reach with the user holding directly onto the handle portion of the cleaning tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Barry Pears, Cheung Wun Yau
  • Patent number: 6779235
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Buford J. Guittar
  • Publication number: 20040128796
    Abstract: A tool extension assembly including an extension pole connected to a connecting device and a tool assembly having a handle with an insert secured therein. A transversely-extending pin is movably mounted to the connecting device and is biased by a spring. The insert has a cylindrical side wall with an interior surface that defines an interior bore and interior edges that define a pair of opposing slots. The slots extend axially and circumferentially along the side wall. The connecting device is receivable in the bore of the insert such that when end portions of the pin are disposed in the slots and the handle is rotated in a first direction, the interior edges of the insert move the pin against the bias of the spring until the pin reaches end portions of the slots, at which point the pin exerts a force against the interior edges of the insert that pulls the tool assembly and the extension pole assembly together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Duong L. Ta, Ty J. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20040111838
    Abstract: An extension device for trigger-actuated hand tools includes a longitudinal member having a handle with an actuation mechanism at one end thereof and a tool engaging portion at the other end thereof. A linkage couples the actuation mechanism to the trigger of the hand tool. The tool engaging portion can be adapted to engage a variety of tools and preferably includes a threaded screw fastener to secure the extension device to the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal member is a hollow tubular member and the linkage is a spring-biased, unitary rod extending through the interior bore of the hollow tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Candido Carl Menor
  • Publication number: 20040025300
    Abstract: A handle extension for rotating a crank handle includes an elongate shaft having a first end and a second end. A member with a receptacle for engaging the crank handle is mounted at the first end of the shaft. When the second end of the shaft is grasped and a rotational force imparted to the shaft, the crank handle is caused to rotate. This handle extension is useful with crank handle operated ceiling mounted ventilation openings commonly found in recreational vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Senner
  • Patent number: 6669241
    Abstract: A door latch opening system for providing efficient and convenient opening of a door latch. The door latch opening system includes an engaging member have a broad engaging area, a receiver member attached to the rear portion of the engaging member, and a coupler member attached within the receiver member. The coupler member has a coupler slot that snugly fits about the door latch handle effectively securing the engaging member to the door latch handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Drew Kelley
  • Publication number: 20030145432
    Abstract: An extension (10) for use in cleaning inaccessible, hard to reach areas (S, H) on a recreational vehicle (V), mobile home, or boat (B). A connector (12) at one end (14) of the extension is used to attach it to a handle (H) gripped by a user (U). A collar (18) attaches to the other end (16) of the extension and includes a threaded shank (22) for attaching a cleaning appliance (A) to the collar. A pin (24) is used to attach the collar to the other end of the extension in a desired position. The ends of the extension are angled so when the extension is connected to the handle, the user can readily position the cleaning appliance on a surface to be cleaned and readily move the appliance over the surface to clean it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Frederick A. Figura, Sharon L. Figura
  • Patent number: 6601271
    Abstract: A wheel mounting system is comprised of a bearing that is adapted to be positioned between a wheel and the foot tube of a bed. The bearing is comprised of two halve split bearings that are adapted to be fit together to make the complete bearing. The split bearings are adapted to be forced into the wheel and held onto the foot tube by the wheel. A method for mounting a wheel to the foot tube of a bed is comprised of the step of positioning split bearings on the end of a foot tube of the bed with a rib on an interior surface of the split bearings in alignment with an annular groove in the end of the foot tube. The foot tube is then held in a fixture with a backup surface of the fixture abutting the flange of two split bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Dean R. Sommerfeld, Scott G. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20030135950
    Abstract: A roller frame handle including an external diameter such size as to allow connection into the internal diameter of a receiving extension pole. The connection locking into position by a spring button device. The roller frame handle forming the inner portion of the connection and the receiving extension pole forming the outer portion of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Dove
  • Patent number: 6588065
    Abstract: An electric telescoping pole for allowing the user to quickly and effortlessly alter the length of a pole used for coupling tools to. The electric telescoping pole includes a pair of tubular members, the first member telescopically receiving the second member, an electric drive assembly housed in the base of the first member, which, by way of a switching mechanism, electrically controls the pole's length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Tucker, III
  • Publication number: 20030103803
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for connecting an extension handle with a painting tool. The connector comprises a locking means in the form of at least one shoulder (1) on the connector engaging a hole in the tool handle. The shoulder (1) is connected to a knob (2) via a tongue (3) which is integral with the connector and the knob (2) is placed such that it is located outside the tool handle. The front part of the connector may be split into two halves by a slit (4). The connector holds the tool firmly during the painting work. Also, it is easy to disconnect the tool from the connector. The tool may be e.g. a painter's roll or brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Axelsson
  • Publication number: 20030084544
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc. (owner of a partial interest)
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman , Robert D. Newman , Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6553628
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6553627
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a tool for providing an ergonomic handle designed to minimize back strain and injury. The handle assembly for a tool includes a main member with a gripping portion, a connection assembly which extends from the main member and includes a pair of opposing connection arms, and a locking assembly couplable to the opposing connection arms for clamping the opposing connection arms to an elongated rod handle of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Clifford J. Horler
  • Patent number: 6532630
    Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Judson C. Cole
  • Patent number: 6530124
    Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Judson C. Cole
  • Patent number: 6497007
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignees: Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6473929
    Abstract: An extension handle for use with a paint brush. The extension handle being removably secured to the handle of the paint brush to either retain the brush aligned with the extension handle in one embodiment or at a fixed acute angle relative thereto in another embodiment. The length of the extension handle being selected to enable both hands of the user to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Addison Woodbury Learned, III
  • Patent number: 6474670
    Abstract: A bicycle balancing system for assisting in the training of a child to ride a bicycle. The bicycle balancing system includes a bracket attachable to a post of a bicycle, a connecting tube removably attached to the bracket, an adjustment tube attached to the bracket for adjustably receiving a U-shaped member, and a handle adjustably attached to the U-shaped member. The U-shaped member and handle may be pivoted to a desired position by releasing and connecting at least one locking detent positionable within a plurality of locking apertures within the connecting tube. The handle may be extended outwardly by releasing a locking detent positionable within a plurality of locking apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Mark S. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6457208
    Abstract: A device and method for engaging a rounded knob so that the knob can be turned in a more rapid and ergonomically efficient manner. The claimed invention includes an auxiliary handle device. The auxiliary handle device includes a hub and a handle that extends radially away from the hub. The hub is configured to pass over the exterior of the rounded knob. Once the hub envelopes the rounded knob, the handle is rotated. As the handle is rotated, an interference fit is created between the interior of the hub and the knob. The interference fit transfers the rotational energy from the handle to the rounded knob, thereby rotating the rounded knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: William Keith
  • Publication number: 20020026686
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6349958
    Abstract: A bicycle training device mountable to a conventional bicycle seat neck and operable by a non-rider to guide and control the actions of the bicycle. A mounting bar is attached to the seat neck and a clamping member is releasably attachable to the mounting bar in a first attached position. The non-rider may guide the bicycle and maintain the rider's balance. Once the rider has control of the bicycle, the clamping member is released from the mounting bar by the non-rider by moving the clamper member to a second release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Gawlik
  • Patent number: 6349451
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Robert D. Newman/Specialty Products of Greenwood, Missouri, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Jr., Buford J. Guittar
  • Publication number: 20020020041
    Abstract: A paint roller assembly is disclosed as including a handle that is configured for use with a variety of extension poles, each requiring a different type of connection with the handle. The handle includes a pole connector socket extending inwardly from one end thereof that is designed to receive a number of different pole connectors. The illustrated socket is provided with a tapered wall section and a circumferential groove, with the former being configured to provide a press fit attachment between the handle and connector and the latter being configured to provide a snap fit attachment between the handle and the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert D. Newman, Robert D. Newman, Buford J. Guittar
  • Patent number: 6336254
    Abstract: A handle attachment is appended to a straight wheelbarrow handle. A first portion of the attachment has a specially designed flared end which is fitted to securely engage a rectangular portion of the wheelbarrow handle. The first portion of the attachment is straight to enable a handle to accept the extending end of the wheelbarrow handle. The attachment has a second portion that is curved downward and away from the wheelbarrow handle to form semi-circular shape. A third portion of the attachment is a straight projection that terminates forming an end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: The Idea Guys, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren D. Graff, Steve A. Cirucci, William W. McCormick